Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has called on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to suspend its strike action, warning of the potential danger to over 20 million residents who rely on public healthcare services.
The governor’s appeal comes in response to the NMA’s protest over an alleged assault on a female doctor by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
In a joint live broadcast with radio journalists on Thursday, Governor Yusuf assured the NMA that an investigative panel’s report on the incident is now on his desk and will be acted upon promptly.
He acknowledged the importance of the doctors’ concerns but urged patience, emphasizing that the government is committed to due process.
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“I am aware of many instances where planned industrial actions by the NMA were shelved due to the mutual respect and good relationship between the doctors and the Kano State government,” Yusuf noted. “The NMA knows that this government values the welfare of doctors.”
The NMA had issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the dismissal of the commissioner, citing the alleged misconduct, with a threat to strike if the demand was unmet.
The governor expressed disappointment over the NMA’s decision, describing the matter as a “dispute between two adults” and requesting that the association allow a formal investigation to proceed.
Governor Yusuf assured that any official found culpable would face appropriate sanctions, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to accountability.
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He also issued an apology on behalf of the government, appealing to the striking doctors to consider the vulnerable patients affected by the strike, including pregnant women awaiting delivery and others in critical need of medical care.
“The lives of 20 million residents could be put at risk over a disagreement between two individuals,” he warned, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public health.
As the situation unfolds, Kano State residents await further action on the incident and hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing healthcare disruption.