Doctors have stopped their services at Kano Hospital over the alleged assault by the commissioner on a colleague

The Kano State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has ordered its members to suspend services at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano over an alleged attack on its member by the state Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi.

The NMA also issued an ultimatum to the state Governor Abba Yusuf to dismiss Ms Abdullahi.

The union said the officer’s alleged actions “constitute misconduct punishable by dismissal as set out in section 3(a)(0), (iü), (iv) and (v) of the Public Service Rules.”

In a statement signed by the Chairman, Abdurrahman Ali: and Secretary, Ibrahim Muhammad; the NMA said it was “deeply alarmed and outraged” by the incident that occurred on November 1 at the pediatric emergency department of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.

“In this distressing incident, a female doctor, who single-handedly staffed all pediatric wards in the hospital with more than a hundred patients in her care, was subjected to intimidation and physical abuse by a group led by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs. , Amina Abdullahi, HOD, accompanied by security personnel and other unidentified men.

“This attack occurred due to the unavailability of a prescribed drug – an issue completely beyond the doctor’s control,” the NMA said.

The group, as a representative body for medical professionals, said: “The NMA Kano Branch finds it deeply disturbing that a public servant charged with the welfare of the citizens of the state would abuse their authority in this manner.

“Such actions not only demonstrate a lack of empathy for the hard-working healthcare professionals, but also reveal a disturbing disregard for the systemic challenges facing our public health sector, such as chronic understaffing, resource shortages and safety concerns for medical workers.

“These types of incidents are all too common, placing medical professionals at unacceptable personal risk as they strive to fulfill their duties to the public under very challenging circumstances.”

The association said it had discussed the incident at the recently concluded Ordinary General Meeting (0GM), “and we unequivocally condemned the abuse of authority. respect and compassion for frontline healthcare workers and a disturbing disregard for the ethical standards expected of public office holders.

“The NMA also demands the implementation of the minimum benchmark for the number of doctors required to provide adequate care, thereby preventing the extreme overload of medical staff, which endangers both patients and healthcare workers.

“We call for the immediate implementation and continued enforcement of adequate safety measures in all departments of the hospital to ensure the safety of both medical staff and patients,” the NMA said.

Notice of Suspension of Services

The NMA gave its members a 48-hour ultimatum to suspend all medical services at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital indefinitely.

The association said the “painful decision reflects the severity of the challenges and risks healthcare professionals face every day.

“Our doctors and healthcare workers deserve a safe, respectful and adequately supported working environment to effectively serve the people of Kano State,” it added.

The association said it was aware the decision would impact the immediate availability of services at one of the state’s busiest hospitals. However, it said the measure was necessary to highlight the urgent need for action.

“Our intent is to highlight the intolerable conditions under which healthcare professionals work, conditions that threaten the quality of care available to the public. We appeal to the good people of Kano and the entire Nigerian public to understand that this decision is not intended to punish patients or deprive them of care.

“On the contrary, it is a critical step toward rebuilding our ailing healthcare system and securing a safer environment for all healthcare professionals, which ultimately benefits everyone.

“The NMA remains committed to working with government and all stakeholders to restore and strengthen Kano’s health care system so that every resident can receive timely and quality health care. medical care“, the association said.

Call for action from the government

The NMA also called on Governor Abba Yusuf to act swiftly in addressing the issues raised by her.

“The safety, dignity and well-being of our healthcare workers must be prioritized to avoid disruption to already limited services. We hope that this incident will serve as a catalyst for the long-awaited reforms needed to ensure that healthcare professionals can continue their vital work in an environment of respect and safety.

“The NMA Kano stands in solidarity with all health workers across the state and will remain steadfast in advocating for their rights, safety and well-being. We are confident that with the support of government, stakeholders and the public, we can build a more resilient healthcare system that meets the needs of the people of Kano State,” the statement said.