A medical doctor, Dr. Nelson Udeme, revealed that he was assaulted and threatened with death by a relative of a deceased patient. However, he stated that he has accepted the public apology from the grieving relative.
The apology, issued by Oludaisi Tajudeen and published in a national daily (The PUNCH), emerged online on Sunday. In his apology, Tajudeen asked for forgiveness from Dr. Udeme and the management of the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, for his emotional outburst following the death of his mother.
In the apology letter addressed to the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Tajudeen expressed regret for his actions and withdrew any verbal threats against Dr. Udeme and other healthcare workers. He pleaded for understanding and promised that such behavior would not recur.
Dr. Udeme, known on social media as @_Pgenius, explained the context behind the public apology, emphasizing the importance of recognizing doctors as human beings who also experience emotional distress. He stressed that doctors should not be targeted as outlets for systemic frustrations and highlighted the negative impact such actions can have on their mental health.
Acknowledging the support he received, Dr. Udeme expressed gratitude to those who reached out to him. He also expressed appreciation for the intervention of the Association of Resident Doctors and his seniors in the Neurology unit, who ensured justice in the situation.
Dr. Udeme concluded by stating that he has reconciled with the assailant and hopes for an end to similar incidents in the future.
