Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Nigerian Medical Association, Kano State chapter, has called for the removal of the state Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi following allegations of assault on one of its members working at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in the state.
The NMA also asked its members to suspend services at the specialist hospital as part of ways to protest the alleged assault by the commissioner.
In a statement signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Abdurrahman Ali and Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammad on Monday, insisted that the alleged actions of the commissioner “constitute misconduct, punishable by dismissal as enshrined in Section 3(a)(0), (iü), (iv), and (v) of the Public Service Rules.”
The association said the incident which occurred on November 1 at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital was an abuse of power by an official expected to uphold humanitarian values.
The NMA claimed the doctor was allegedly harassed and assaulted by the Commissioner and her entourage, including security personnel.
According to the statement, the altercation reportedly stemmed from the unavailability of a prescribed medication, a matter outside the doctor’s control, as she was managing over 100 patients alone.
The statement further read, “The NMA Kano Branch finds it particularly disturbing that an official entrusted with the welfare of the state’s citizens would misuse their authority in this manner.
“Such actions not only demonstrate a lack of empathy for the hard-working healthcare professionals but also reveal a troubling disregard for the systemic challenges facing our public health sector, such as chronic understaffing, resource shortages, and security concerns for medical staff.
“Incidents like this are becoming all too frequent, putting medical professionals at unacceptable personal risk while they strive to fulfil their duties to the public under highly challenging conditions.”
The association in the statement further noted that the NMA Kano in an emergency meeting, resolved to take a stand.
It added that part of their demands include the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner and an increase in staffing and security at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
“The Association’s Congress has resolved to call for the dismissal of the commissioner who has demonstrated a gross lack of respect and compassion for frontline healthcare workers and a disturbing disregard for the ethical standards expected of public office holders.
“Also, the NMA demands the implementation of the minimum benchmark for the number of doctors required to provide adequate care thereby preventing the extreme overstretching of medical personnel, which puts both patients and healthcare workers at risk.
“We call for the immediate provision and continuous maintenance of adequate security measures in all units of the hospital to ensure the safety of medical staff and patients alike,” the NMA said.
The association, however, threatened to suspend medical services at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital within 48 hours, if their demands are not met.
“Our decision to suspend services is difficult but necessary. Healthcare professionals should not have to work in fear. This action calls on both the government and the public to recognise the daily challenges we face in delivering care.
“On the contrary, it is a critical step toward fixing our ailing healthcare system and securing a safer environment for all healthcare professionals, which ultimately benefits everyone.
“We call on the Governor to address these issues promptly to prevent further disruptions in the healthcare system.
“The NMA remains committed to working with the government and all stakeholders to restore and strengthen Kano’s health system so that every resident can receive timely and quality medical care,” the statement stated.
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