The Nigerian Medical Association, Kano State Chapter, on Monday, issued an ultimatum to the Kano State Government, calling for the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi HOD, following her alleged assault on a female doctor.
Confirming the assault via a press statement signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Abdurrahman Ali and Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim D. Muhammad, the association stated that the incident occurred on November 1 at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
According to the statement, the doctor was allegedly harassed and assaulted by the Commissioner and her entourage, including security personnel.
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 NMA described the incident as an abuse of power by an official expected to uphold humanitarian values.
“The Commissioner’s actions are a misuse of authority,” said Dr. Abdurrahman Ali, NMA Kano Chairman.
He added, “This assault not only undermines the health sector’s integrity but also violates the ethical obligations public officials should uphold. Such behaviour endangers healthcare workers and disrupts essential services.”
The statement noted that in an emergency meeting, the NMA Kano resolved to take a stand. Their demands included the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner and an increase in staffing and security at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
“The doctor was on duty, single-handedly managing multiple pediatric cases under challenging conditions. This incident highlights broader challenges in our hospitals, including understaffing, lack of resources, and inadequate security for medical personnel”, he said.
Following the despicable, the NMA Kano has threatened to suspend medical services at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital within 48 hours, if their demands are not met.
Ali explained, “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 recognize the daily challenges we face in delivering care.”
The association urged the Kano State Governor to take immediate action saying, “We call on the Governor to address these issues promptly to prevent further disruptions in the healthcare system.”
The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government to bring about reforms that would enhance healthcare delivery across the state.
(PUNCH)