The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano State Chapter, has called for the immediate sacking of the Kano State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi, over alleged assault on a female doctor.
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.
Confirming the assault via a press statement jointly signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Abdurrahman Ali and Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim D. Muhammad, the association disclosed that the incident occurred on 1st November at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
The statement alleged that the doctor was allegedly harassed and assaulted by the Commissioner and her entourage and security personnel, due to 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. Ali. “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 NMA stated.
The statement pointed that in an emergency meeting, the kano branch NMA has resolved to take a stand, which includes, 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 asserted.
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, adding that, “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.