Healthcare services at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, have been grounded following an indefinite strike declared by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) over the assault of one of its members.
The ARD said the decision followed an emergency congress meeting convened after Dr. Adja Harrison, a past president of the association, was allegedly attacked by individuals amid an ongoing blockade restricting access to the hospital by members of the host community.
According to the association, the incident occurred in the morning when the doctor had complied with access restrictions at the hospital gate by parking within the premises and escorting his children out through a pedestrian route to school.
Upon returning, he reportedly stood at a distance with other observers, avoiding confrontation.
The situation escalated after he made what the association described as a “calm and non-confrontational” request for a motorcyclist—who was not headed into the hospital but towards Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe—to be allowed passage.
The request allegedly triggered hostility, leading to the doctor being slapped and subsequently mobbed by multiple individuals before bystanders intervened to rescue him.
Medical findings cited by the ARD indicated that the doctor sustained an injury to the right ear, including bleeding within the external auditory canal and signs consistent with tympanic membrane trauma resulting from blunt-force impact.
Describing the attack as “unprovoked and unjustifiable,” the association warned that the incident reflects a broader pattern of insecurity faced by healthcare workers in the area.
It noted that persistent threats and intimidation have already forced many doctors to reside outside Oghara, in neighbouring towns such as Sapele, Warri and Benin City.
“The events of today represent a dangerous escalation and confirm that the hospital environment is presently unsafe for healthcare delivery,” the association said in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Aghogho Isaac; General Secretary, Dr. Ogochuku Nwachuku; and Public Relations Officer, Dr. Asogwa Chijioke.
The strike action, which the ARD described as total, indefinite and comprehensive, affects all cadres of resident doctors, from house officers to senior registrars, with no exemptions.
The association outlined key conditions for suspending the strike, including a formal apology from the host community, enhanced security within the hospital, guarantees against future attacks, full medical care and compensation for the victim, and the identification and prosecution of those responsible.
While acknowledging ongoing reforms in the state’s health sector under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the doctors warned that the current security situation threatens to undermine recent gains.
They called on the Delta State Government, security agencies, and community leaders to take immediate action to restore order and ensure the safety of healthcare workers.
“The safety of healthcare workers is non-negotiable,” the association stated, insisting that its members would not return to duty until their demands are fully met.
