The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano State Branch, has announced an indefinite withdrawal of medical services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital starting from noon today, following an unresolved assault case involving a female doctor at the hospital’s Emergency Paediatric Unit.
The incident reportedly involved the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi HOD prompting the NMA to take action after a 48-hour ultimatum to the state government yielded no satisfactory response.
An investigation by the Kano State Ministry of Health exonerated the doctor, confirming she acted appropriately during the incident. However, the lack of response from the Kano State Government has escalated tensions.
“The investigation confirmed that the doctor was not at fault,” said Dr. Muhammad Aminu Musa, the NMA’s Public Relations Officer. “Yet, there has been no action to hold the Commissioner accountable.”
The NMA outlined three demands that must be addressed before services resume at the hospital, which include the immediate dismissal of the Commissioner, meeting the minimum benchmark for healthcare personnel to address understaffing, and implementing enhanced security measures for healthcare workers and patients across all hospital units.
“Doctors are working under conditions that threaten their safety and that of their patients,” added Dr. Musa. “The government must act to ensure a safe working environment for medical personnel.”
As the withdrawal begins, patients relying on services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital are urged to seek alternative healthcare facilities until the issues are resolved.
