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 assault 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 fire Mrs Abdullahi.
The union said the official's alleged actions “constitute misconduct, punishable by dismissal as enshrined in Section 3 (a) (0), (iü), (iv) and (v) of the Public Service Rules ”.
In a statement signed by its president, Abdurrahman Ali: and its secretary, Ibrahim Muhammad; The NMA said it was “deeply alarmed and outraged” by the incident that took place on November 1 at the Pediatric Emergency Unit of the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
“In this distressing incident, a doctor on duty, who was alone caring for all the pediatric units of the hospital with more than one hundred patients under her care, was subjected to harassment and physical assault by a group led by the Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs. , Amina Abdullahi, HOD, accompanied by security personnel and other unidentified men.
“This attack arose from the unavailability of a prescribed medication, a problem that was completely outside the doctor's control,” the NMA stated.
The group said that as a representative body of medical professionals, “the NMA Kano Branch finds it particularly worrying that an official charged with the welfare of the citizens of the state would misuse his authority in this manner.
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“These actions not only demonstrate a lack of empathy for healthcare workers, but also reveal a troubling disregard for the systemic challenges facing our public health sector, such as chronic understaffing, resource shortages, and concerns. safety of medical personnel.
“Incidents like this are becoming all too common, putting medical professionals at unacceptable personal risk as they strive to fulfill their duties to the public under very challenging conditions.”
The association said it discussed the incident at its recently concluded Ordinary General Assembly (0GM), “and we unequivocally condemn the abuse of authority, which is why the Congress of the Association has resolved to request the dismissal of the commissioner who has demonstrated a flagrant lack of respect and compassion for frontline healthcare workers and a disturbing disregard for the ethical standards expected of public office holders.
“Furthermore, the NMA requires the implementation of a minimum benchmark for the number of physicians needed to provide adequate care, thereby preventing overexertion of medical staff, which puts both patients and healthcare workers at risk.” .
“We call for the immediate provision and continued maintenance of adequate safety measures in all hospital units 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 indefinitely suspend all medical services at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
The association said the “painful decision reflects the severity of the challenges and risks that healthcare professionals face every day.
“Our doctors and healthcare staff deserve a safe, respectful and adequately supported work environment to effectively serve the people of Kano State,” he added.
The association said it was aware that the decision would affect the immediate availability of services at one of the state's busiest hospitals. However, he said the move was necessary to highlight the urgent need for action.
“Our intention is to highlight the unsustainable conditions in 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 in fixing our broken healthcare system and ensuring 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 system so that every resident can receive timely and quality healthcare,” the association said.
Call to government action
The NMA also called on Governor Abba Yusuf to act quickly to address the issues he has raised.
“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 serves as a catalyst for long-needed reforms 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 healthcare workers across the state and will remain steadfast in defending their rights, safety and well-being. “We are confident that with the support of the government, stakeholders and the public, we can build a more resilient health system that meets the needs of the people of Kano State,” the statement concluded.