Chief Medical Directors demand strengthened safety measures at hospitals following explosions in Maiduguri

The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals has urged for enhanced security measures to be implemented around healthcare facilities, following the recent bomb attacks that occurred in Maiduguri, Borno State.

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This call to action was made in response to the coordinated explosions that took place in various parts of Maiduguri, including the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, which the committee deemed deeply troubling and unacceptable.

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Prof. Saad Ahmed, Chairman of the Committee, issued a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, where he described the attacks as barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable, and called for immediate measures to be taken to prevent such incidents from happening again.

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The blasts, which also affected the Monday Market and the Post Office area within the Maiduguri metropolis, caused widespread concern among residents and authorities, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

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Ahmed expressed deep concern over the attack that occurred at the hospital gate, emphasizing that violence within or around healthcare facilities undermines medical neutrality, threatens lives, and erodes human dignity.

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He stated that any act of violence targeting a healthcare environment constitutes a grave assault on humanity, the healthcare system, and the fundamental principles guiding medical neutrality and patient protection.

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Ahmed stressed the need for urgent action to be taken to safeguard health institutions nationwide, noting that hospitals must remain safe spaces dedicated solely to saving lives and delivering essential medical services.

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The committee called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to intensify their efforts to strengthen the security architecture, particularly around healthcare facilities and other critical public infrastructure across the country.

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According to Ahmed, the safety of health institutions, healthcare workers, and patients must remain a paramount national priority, requiring coordinated action and sustained commitment from all levels of government.

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The committee extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, as well as the families of victims affected by the attacks, and expressed solidarity with those impacted.

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Ahmed stated that the committee stands with the management, staff, and patients of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and is praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and strength for affected families.

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Ahmed reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting healthcare infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare service delivery across the country.