The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board (KWHMB), Dr Abdulraheem Malik, has backed the Kwara State House of Assembly's move to enact legislation criminalising assaults, threats and harassment of healthcare workers across the state.

Speaking in Ilorin at the weekend, Malik described the proposed legislation as a timely step towards protecting healthcare professionals and creating a safer environment for effective healthcare delivery.

He said doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists and other healthcare workers operate under challenging conditions and should be able to perform their duties without fear of physical attacks, threats or intimidation.

"We commend the Kwara State House of Assembly for this important initiative. Protecting healthcare workers is essential to protecting the healthcare system itself. When our health workers feel safe and protected, they are better positioned to provide quality and timely care to patients," he said.

Malik noted that assaults on healthcare workers affect more than the individuals involved, as such incidents can disrupt hospital operations, lower staff morale, create fear among medical professionals and ultimately undermine the quality of healthcare services provided to patients.

He therefore urged patients, relatives, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the proposed legislation and promote mutual respect and peaceful engagement within healthcare facilities.

The KWHMB boss reaffirmed the Board's commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery across the state and ensuring that hospitals remain safe, professional and conducive environments for both patients and healthcare workers.

The development follows a recent call by the Kwara State House of Assembly for stronger measures to curb assaults and harassment of healthcare workers by patients' relatives across health facilities in the state.