Doctors in Kano State have halted their services at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital following an alleged assault on a female doctor by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi Ganduje.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kano State has issued a firm ultimatum to Governor Abba Yusuf, demanding that he immediately dismiss Mrs. Ganduje for her alleged role in the assault.
The NMA, deeply outraged by the incident, announced the service suspension, stating it is a necessary step to protect its members and highlight the need for safer working conditions for healthcare professionals.
According to a statement by NMA Kano’s Chairperson, Abdurrahman Ali, and Secretary, Ibrahim Muhammad, the incident took place on November 1 at the hospital’s Emergency Paediatric Unit.
The NMA revealed that the doctor was “all alone manning all the paediatric units in the hospital with over a hundred patients in her care” when she was allegedly harassed and physically assaulted by Mrs. Ganduje, accompanied by security personnel and unidentified men.
“This assault arose over the unavailability of a prescribed medication—an issue entirely beyond the doctor’s control,” the NMA stated.
The NMA further condemned Mrs. Ganduje’s actions, describing them as “a gross misuse of authority.”
“It is disturbing that an official entrusted with the welfare of the state’s citizens would misuse their authority in this manner,” the NMA declared, adding that the incident reflects a “lack of empathy for hard-working healthcare professionals.”
The association highlighted that the alleged assault not only places medical staff at risk but also underscores the harsh conditions healthcare workers face daily.
“Incidents like this are becoming all too frequent,” the NMA continued. “Medical professionals are at unacceptable personal risk while they strive to fulfill their duties to the public under highly challenging conditions.”
The NMA noted that they discussed the incident at a recent Ordinary General Meeting (OGM), where members agreed to call for the commissioner’s dismissal.
“The Congress has resolved to call for the dismissal of the commissioner who has shown a gross lack of respect and compassion for frontline healthcare workers,” the statement read.
The NMA also outlined additional demands aimed at preventing future occurrences, including the implementation of a minimum benchmark for the number of doctors needed to provide safe, adequate care.
They argued that such measures would help to “prevent the extreme overstretching of medical personnel, which puts both patients and healthcare workers at risk.”
Furthermore, the association called for stronger security measures to protect medical staff across all units in the hospital, stressing that safety is essential for healthcare workers to perform their duties effectively.
The NMA issued a 48-hour ultimatum for its members to suspend services indefinitely at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, stating that this “painful decision” reflects the gravity of the risks that healthcare workers face.
The association admitted that while the suspension would disrupt services at one of the busiest hospitals in Kano, it was necessary to emphasize the “urgent need for action.”
“Our intent is to underscore the unsustainable conditions under which healthcare professionals are working,” the NMA explained.
The association appealed to the public for understanding, stressing that the service suspension is not intended to harm patients but to protect healthcare workers and improve the healthcare system.
“This decision is a critical step toward fixing our ailing healthcare system and securing a safer environment for all healthcare professionals,” the NMA said.
The association also urged the Kano State Government to address these issues immediately, pointing out that healthcare professionals deserve a respectful, secure environment.
“We hope that this incident will serve as a catalyst for long-overdue reforms,” the statement added.
The NMA further assured the public that it remains committed to collaborating with the government to build a resilient healthcare system in Kano, one that guarantees quality care for all residents.
The association concluded by calling on Governor Yusuf to act swiftly, stating, “The safety, dignity, and well-being of our healthcare workers must be prioritized to prevent the disruption of services that are already limited.”
