The Federal Government has directed the immediate implementation of measures to strengthen the safety and protection of health workers across the country following a rise in cases of harassment, intimidation and assaults. Kachollom said the decision followed the submission of the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel. Pate stressed that healthcare workers deserved a safe working environment to carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation. He noted that although there is no specific legislation dealing solely with violence against health workers, offenders would still face prosecution under applicable criminal, civil or administrative laws. She reiterated that existing laws would be enforced, offenders held accountable and all lawful measures taken to secure health facilities, protect health workers and guarantee uninterrupted patient care.