The Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has emphasised the need for mutual respect between patients and healthcare providers to prevent tension and violence in health facilities.
Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, Branch Executive Secretary of the NRCS, made the call on Thursday in Kano during a two-day workshop themed “Healthcare in Danger.”
He noted that fostering mutual understanding and respect would help create a safer and more effective healthcare environment for both patients and workers.
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Abdullahi explained that the workshop was organised to sensitise healthcare workers on managing crisis situations, strengthening patient-caregiver relationships, and ensuring safety in emergency settings.
He noted that the initiative was a response to recurring cases of violence and vandalism in hospitals, often fueled by complaints of neglect from patients or their families.
“We have observed that crises usually arise when patients feel they are not being attended to properly, while hospitals also have established protocols that must be followed before treatment can be administered.
“There is no way health workers can operate without patients. It is, therefore, important for both parties to respect rules, principles, and each other’s dignity,” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Aliyu Zubairu, Coordinator of State Medical Services and Ambulances, said the training aimed to equip healthcare professionals with skills to de-escalate confrontational situations and maintain professionalism during emergencies.
“Sometimes, caregivers arrive at health facilities with heightened emotions.
“It is important for health workers to stay calm and professional to prevent escalation into conflict,” Zubairu noted.
In her remarks, Aisha Abdulkadir, Director of Medical and Health Services at the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, commended the NRCS for promoting humanitarian principles in healthcare delivery.
She urged health workers to cultivate empathy and build personal connections with patients, stating, “Patients should be treated as partners who came seeking help and deserve maximum care and attention.”
Abdulkadir also appealed to patients and caregivers to treat healthcare professionals with respect, describing them as dedicated individuals working tirelessly to save lives.