In-support-of-Nigerian-And-Indian-Junior-Doctors

Support of Indian and Nigerian Junior Doctors from the Junior Doctors Network of the
World Medical Association
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN) of the World Medical Association (WMA) is committed to
upholding the dignity, right and welfare of all junior physicians across the globe. It is our belief
that physicians play a crucial role and are a key pillar in all healthcare systems. Acts of violence
in any way or form; be it physical or otherwise perpetrated against physicians; must be
condemned to the highest level possible. It is within this ambit, that we the JDN issue the
following statement.
In December 2023, a female resident doctor at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, Nigeria
was abducted from her residence in the staff quarters of the hospital. She has been held at
ransom and remains captured until this day. More recently, in August 2024, a female
postgraduate student at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, India was
sexually assaulted and murdered in the hospital during a gruelling shift on site. Her body was
discovered in the hospital the following morning. These heinous acts of brutality and violence,
not only against physicians but specifically women, have since sparked mass outrage amongst
the medical fraternity and the community to which they served.
The JDN decries in the highest manner, all acts of violence enacted against physicians. We
stand in solidarity with our colleagues at the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors and our
colleagues in the Indian Medical Association Junior Doctors Network during these challenging
times.
In these unprecedented times where we see a striking increase in violence against physicians,
JDN wishes to echo the calls of the WMA in their statements on Violence and Health,
Workplace Violence in the Health Sector and Violence Against Women. We unreservedly
emphasise the call for zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women as stipulated in
the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
We also urge all healthcare facility executives and or superintendents to ensure that the
appropriate security measures are in place in all healthcare facilities; including (but not limited
to) increased security personnel patrolling through high-risk areas, the installation of monitored
security camera systems and other potentially life-saving devices and systems for use by
physicians and other healthcare workers in times when violent acts may occur.
These reported incidents are a stark reminder of the increasing threats faced by healthcare
professionals in various parts of the world, particularly in regions where insecurity has
escalated. They are not only a violation of individual human rights but highlight an assault on
the medical profession and the essential services that healthcare professionals provide to
communities. Physicians and other healthcare professionals dedicate their lives to saving
others, often working in challenging conditions. Their safety should always be guaranteed.
We urge the international community to support global and local efforts to end violence against
healthcare workers and to advocate for their safety and security.
About the World Medical Association Junior Doctors Network (WMA JDN)
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN) serves as an international platform for junior doctors to
facilitate an open dialogue of global events and activities that are relevant to their postgraduate
training and the World Medical Association (WMA). Its mission is to empower young
physicians to work together towards a healthier world through advocacy, education, and
international collaboration. You can learn more about the WMA JDN here or contact us on
chair.jdn@wma.net