NANNM Declares Indefinite Strike After Relative Allegedly Slaps Nurse at UUTH, Uyo

Healthcare services at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) have been disrupted after the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) declared an indefinite strike following the alleged assault of a nurse by a patient’s relative.

According to NANNM, the incident occurred after the death of a four-year-old patient at the hospital. The child’s father had reportedly requested to take the body home for burial but was informed that the outstanding hospital bill had to be processed in line with the hospital’s procedures before the body could be released.

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The union alleged that while nurses on duty were processing the patient’s file for billing, the man became agitated. He reportedly entered another unit, overturned a medication trolley, scattered patient records and workstations, and physically assaulted nurses who attempted to calm the situation. One nurse was allegedly slapped multiple times.

Hospital management subsequently reported the incident to the Nigeria Police. However, NANNM said the suspect had not been arrested at the time of its emergency congress.

Following the meeting, the union resolved to embark on an indefinite withdrawal of services, stating that nurses would not return to duty until the alleged assailant is arrested and adequate security measures are put in place to protect healthcare workers.

Speaking after the congress, NANNM leaders described the incident as an unacceptable act of workplace violence and warned that repeated attacks on healthcare professionals threaten both staff welfare and patient care. They stressed that nurses should be able to carry out their duties in a safe and secure environment.

The industrial action is expected to affect healthcare services across UUTH until the dispute is resolved.

Incidents of violence against healthcare workers have become an increasing concern in Nigeria, with professional bodies repeatedly calling for stronger legal protection, improved hospital security and the prosecution of individuals who assault medical personnel while on duty.

This is one of many assaults against nurses in Nigeria reported in the Last couple of weeks. FNA News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they emerge.

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