The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kano State has suspended services in the Emergency Pediatric Unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital after an alleged assault on a female doctor by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi.
The strike action follows an ultimatum issued to Governor Abba Yusuf demanding the commissioner’s dismissal.
Dr. Muhammad Aminu Musa, Public Relations Officer of the NMA Kano, stated that the association took the decision after the 48-hour ultimatum expired without any action from the state government.
“An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Health confirmed the doctor was not at fault, verifying that she acted with full professionalism in her duties,” Dr. Musa explained, calling the government’s inaction a “lack of concrete response.”
The NMA criticized the incident as a violation of the respect and safety of healthcare workers, describing it as part of a larger issue of under-resourcing and poor working conditions.
“The NMA Kano has therefore resolved to withdraw all medical services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital indefinitely, effective from noon today, 6th November 2024,” Dr. Musa added.
The association’s demands include the commissioner’s dismissal, increased staffing, resource allocation, and enhanced security within hospital premises.
Dr. Musa highlighted, “Immediate steps must be taken to meet the minimum benchmark requirement for healthcare personnel in the facility, ensuring that doctors are not forced to work under conditions that put their safety and patients’ health at risk.”
Abdullahi, however, denied any wrongdoing in a statement, claiming that the health worker ignored her when she arrived to address a patient’s needs.
She recounted, “I greeted her, but she didn’t respond. I greeted her a second time, and she still ignored me. Then, she looked at me, folded her arms, and went to her office.”
In response, Governor Abba Yusuf appealed to the NMA to reconsider the strike, emphasizing the risk posed to the over 20 million residents reliant on public healthcare.
He assured that an investigative panel’s report on the incident is under review, stating, “Any official found culpable will face appropriate sanctions.”
Governor Yusuf further apologized for the incident, urging the NMA to prioritize public health and consider the vulnerable patients affected by the strike.
