The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano State chapter, has declared an indefinite withdrawal of medical services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, effective from 12:00pm on November 6, 2024.
The decision followed the alleged failure by the Kano State government to heed their demand to suspend the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, for allegedly assaulting on a female medical doctor.
The NMA’s decision was conveyed in a press statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Muhammad Aminu Musa.
LEADERSHIP reports that the incident occurred on November 1, 2024, when the doctor was managing patients in the Emergency Paediatric Unit of the hospital. The NMA alleged that the Commissioner, along with her security entourage, harassed and assaulted the medical doctor over the unavailability of a prescribed medication.
According to the press statement, an investigation by the Ministry of Health subsequently confirmed that the doctor acted professionally and bore no responsibility for the shortage of drugs at the time.
Despite the findings, the NMA expressed frustration that no action has been taken against the commissioner by the state government. “Our members cannot continue to work under threat or fear,” stated Dr. Musa. He emphasised that the association had given the state government a 48-hour ultimatum, which has expired without a satisfactory response.
“The NMA Kano has therefore resolved to withdraw all medical services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital indefinitely, effective from 12 noon today, 6th November 2024 until the following demands are fully met,” the statement read.
The association’s demands included the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs from Governor Abba Yusuf cabinet. The NMA was also calling for adequate staffing and resource allocation to ensure doctors are not overwhelmed and that patient care was not compromised. Additionally, they demanded enhanced security measures throughout the hospital to protect healthcare workers and patients.
The association stressed that its decision to withdraw services at the facility was not taken lightly but was essential to ensure the safety and well-being of healthcare workers.
