The Kano State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for the immediate dismissal of the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, over an alleged assault on a female doctor.
Responding to the development, the association has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state government, threatening to suspend medical services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital if their demands were not met.
NMA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Abdurrahman Ali, and Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim D. Muhammad, disclosed that the incident occurred on November 1st, 2024 at the hospital’s Emergency Pediatric Unit.
The statement alleged that the commissioner, accompanied by her entourage and security personnel, harassed and assaulted the doctor due to the unavailability of a prescribed medication.
The NMA noted that the doctor was managing over 100 patients and said the issue was beyond her control.
“The Commissioner’s actions are a misuse of authority,” said Dr. Ali. “This assault undermines the integrity of the health sector and violates the ethical standards expected of public officials. Such behavior puts healthcare workers at risk and disrupts essential medical services,” the NMA said.
The decision followed an emergency meeting where the NMA demanded the Commissioner’s immediate dismissal, calling for increased staffing and better security measures at the specialist hospital.
The association also highlighted that the doctor was single-handedly managing multiple pediatric cases under challenging conditions, underscoring broader issues confronting the facility.
“Our decision to suspend services is difficult but necessary,” Dr. Ali stated. “Healthcare professionals should not have to work under threat or in fear. This action is to ensure that medical personnel are protected and that our work environment is safe.”
The association also appealed to Governor Abba Yusuf to intervene promptly, warning that failure to address their demands could lead to further disruptions in healthcare delivery.
“We call on the Governor to take swift action to prevent further harm to our healthcare system,” Dr. Muhammad, the secretary of the NMA said, adding, “Addressing these challenges is essential to improve the quality of care for our patients.”
The NMA assured the public that any service disruption would be temporary and aimed at achieving long-term improvement for both healthcare workers and patients.
