NMA demands immediate dismissal of Kano Commissioner over alleged assault on female doctor
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 48 hour ultimatum to the Kano State Government, “to dismiss” the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Amina Abdullahi, or risk industrial action over an alleged assault on a female doctor.
This is contained in a statement on Monday jointly signed by the state NMA Chairman Dr Abdurrahman Ali and Secretary Dr Ibrahim Muhammad in Kano.
“The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano State Branch, is deeply alarmed and outraged by an incident that took place on 1st November, 2024, at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
“In this distressing incident, a female doctor on duty, who was all alone manning all the paediatric units in the hospital with over a hundred patients in her care, was subjected to harassment and physical assault by a group led by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi HOD, accompanied by security personnel and other unidentified men.
“This assault arose over the unavailability of a prescribed medication–an issue that was entirely beyond the doctor’s control,” it said.
The NMA described the incident as an abuse of power by an official expected to uphold humanitarian values.
“This assault not only undermines the health sector’s integrity but also violates the ethical obligations public officials should uphold. Such behavior endangers healthcare workers and disrupts essential services,” it said.
The NMA also called for 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.”
The association urged Gov.Abba Yusuf to take immediate action, stressing that healthcare professionals must be able to work in an environment that respects their dedication.
“We call on the governor to address these issues promptly to prevent further disruptions in the healthcare system,” it added.
