The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano Chapter, has called for the immediate dismissal of Kano State’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi, following allegations of assault on a female doctor. The NMA issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Kano State government to remove Abdullahi from her position or face a suspension of medical services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
According to the NMA’s statement, jointly signed by State Chairman Dr. Abdurrahman Ali and Secretary Dr. Ibrahim D. Muhammad, the alleged incident occurred on November 1 at the hospital’s Emergency Pediatric Unit. Abdullahi, reportedly accompanied by her security detail, allegedly harassed and assaulted the doctor over the unavailability of a prescribed medication.
The NMA clarified that the doctor, already managing over 100 patients alone, had no control over the medication supply. Describing the commissioner’s actions as a “gross abuse of power” and “misuse of authority,” Dr. Ali condemned the incident as a direct threat to healthcare workers’ safety and integrity within the medical field.
“This incident not only endangers healthcare workers but also compromises patient care in Kano State,” Dr. Ali stated. “Our doctors deserve to work in a safe environment, free from fear or intimidation.”
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The call for Abdullahi’s dismissal has intensified, with the NMA convening an emergency meeting to demand immediate improvements in hospital staffing and security measures. Dr. Ali stressed that the doctor involved had been working under severely challenging conditions, handling numerous pediatric cases with minimal support.
“This incident highlights systemic issues such as severe understaffing, resource shortages, and inadequate security within our hospitals,” Dr. Ali added.
The NMA warned that patient care might be disrupted by a potential service suspension but emphasized that healthcare workers’ safety remains their top priority.
“Suspending services is not a step we take lightly,” Dr. Ali asserted. “But it is a necessary action to ensure our healthcare professionals can perform their duties without fear.”
The association called on Kano State’s governor to act promptly, urging decisive measures to prevent further disruption of healthcare services.
“We implore the governor to address these urgent challenges head-on to restore confidence in Kano’s healthcare system and ensure justice for our medical personnel,” the NMA’s statement concluded.
