Kano State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Abba Yusuf to sack his commissioner for humanitarian affairs, Amina Abdullahi, over an alleged assault and harassment on a female medical doctor.
The ultimatum is contained in a statement signed on Monday by the NMA Chairman, Abdurrahman Ali, and Secretary, Ibrahim Muhammad, respectively.
The association revealed that the incident occurred on November 1 at the emergency pediatric unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
According to the statement, the doctor was assaulted by Mrs Abdullahi and her entourage, including security personnel.
“As a representative body for medical professionals, 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 statement said.
“The NMA Kano resolved to call for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, 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.
“Her actions constitute serious misconduct, punishable by dismissal as enshrined in Section 3(a)(i), (ii), (iv), and (v) of the Public Service Rules.
“We demand the implementation of the minimum benchmark for the number of doctors required to provide adequate care in Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, thereby preventing the extreme overstretching of medical personnel, which puts both patients and healthcare workers at risk,” the doctors union noted.
The NMA also called 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 Kano Branch has also resolved to give a 48-hour ultimatum to suspend all medical services indefinitely at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
“This painful decision has not been made lightly; rather, it reflects the gravity of the challenges and risks that healthcare professionals face daily.
“Our doctors and healthcare staff deserve a safe, respectful, and adequately supported working environment to effectively serve the people of Kano State.
“on His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State, to act swiftly in addressing these pressing issues. The safety, dignity, and well-being of our healthcare workers must be prioritised to prevent the disruption of services that are already limited.
“We hope that this incident will serve as a catalyst for the long-overdue reforms needed to ensure that healthcare professionals can continue their vital work in an environment of respect and security,” the statement noted.
