The Ogun State Government has initiated a thorough investigation into an alleged physical assault on a nursing student by a doctor at the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, confirmed that the government is taking the matter seriously and has begun an investigation process through the Civil Service redress mechanism.
The incident, which involved a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon slapping a final year student nurse, led to protests by nurses from the hospital and other parts of the state. The protesting nurses, led by the state Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, expressed their dissatisfaction with the assault and demanded justice for the victim.
The nurses emphasized their zero tolerance for abuse and called for an end to bullying and harassment of nurses. They carried placards with messages advocating for respect and justice for nurses. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the unethical behavior of the doctor and to ensure that such actions are not tolerated in the healthcare setting.
The government has acknowledged the situation and assured that appropriate measures are being taken to address the incident. The Permanent Secretary of the Hospital Management Board assured that both the doctor and the student nurse are under the government’s care, and steps are being taken to ensure that justice prevails in the matter.