Kano Doctors Withdraw Services at Specialist Hospital Over Alleged Assault by Commissioner

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano State chapter, has announced an indefinite withdrawal of services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in response to an alleged assault on a medical doctor by Kano’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Amina Abdullahi.

The NMA’s decision, effective from noon on November 6, was communicated through a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Muhammad Aminu Musa. According to the NMA, the incident occurred on November 1 in the Emergency Paediatric Unit, where the doctor, while attending to patients, allegedly faced harassment and physical assault from the commissioner and her security team due to a shortage of a prescribed medication.

An investigation by the Ministry of Health reportedly found that the doctor had acted professionally and was not at fault for the medication shortage. Despite this, the NMA stated that the Kano State government has yet to take disciplinary action against the commissioner, leading to growing concerns among healthcare workers.

“Our members cannot continue to work under threat or fear,” Dr. Musa emphasized, noting that the NMA had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for action, which expired without a response from the government.

The association’s demands include the immediate removal of the Commissioner from her post, improved staffing and resources to prevent doctor burnout, and enhanced security measures across the hospital to protect both staff and patients.

The NMA underscored that the withdrawal of services was a necessary step to ensure the safety and well-being of healthcare workers, stressing that their decision was not made lightly but reflects an urgent need to address a safe working environment.