Kano State NMA Demands Removal of Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs Following Alleged Assault on Doctor
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued an ultimatum to the Kano State government to remove the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi HOD, following an incident of alleged assault on a female doctor at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
According to a statement released by NMA Chairman Dr. Abdurrahman Ali and Secretary Dr. Ibrahim D. Muhammad, the commissioner and her entourage reportedly harassed and assaulted the doctor on November 1 at the Emergency Paediatric Unit. The doctor was single-handedly managing over 100 patients at the time, leaving her no option but to deal with the unavailability of a specific medication.
The NMA has strongly condemned the commissioner’s actions, describing them as an abuse of power and a breach of the code of conduct for public servants. Dr. Ali stated that the incident not only undermines the integrity of the healthcare sector but also puts healthcare workers at risk and disrupts essential services.
The association has demanded that the commissioner be removed immediately and that the governor takes necessary steps to address the broader challenges facing the hospital, including understaffing, lack of resources, and inadequate security for medical personnel.
The NMA has also warned that it will suspend medical services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital within 48 hours if the government fails to meet their demands. The association emphasized that healthcare professionals should not have to work in fear and that this action is a call to the government and the public to recognize the daily challenges faced by healthcare workers in delivering quality care.
The NMA remains willing to work with the government to implement reforms aimed at strengthening healthcare services across Kano State, but the removal of the commissioner and address of the above-mentioned issues are non-negotiable.
The NMA and its members have pledged to take swift and decisive action to ensure that their demands are met, and that the hospital operates safely and effectively without compromising the well-being of patients or the health and safety of medical personnel.
