Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has successfully restored full services at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital following his prompt intervention over the ongoing doctors’ strike at the hospital.
Grassroots Parrot had reported how the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kano State Branch, on Wednesday, announced the withdrawal of services from the Emergency Pediatric Unit of the hospital following the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum issued to the state governor.
The association asked the governor to sack the state commissioner for humanitarian affairs, Amina Abdullahi, HOD, over the alleged assault on a female doctor at the hospital.
According to the Public Relations Officer, NMA Kano, Dr. Muhammad Aminu Musa, the strike was a result of a lack of concrete action taken by the Kano State Government.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: NMA Withdraws Services From Kano Hospital Over Alleged Assault On Colleague
“An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Health has confirmed that the doctor was not at fault in the incident, verifying that she acted with full professionalism in her duties.
“Despite this, no action has been taken to address the misconduct of the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, who led this assault and harassed a healthcare worker performing her duties under extremely challenging conditions.
“The NMA Kano has therefore resolved to withdraw all medical services at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital indefinitely, effective from noon today, 6th November 2024.” Musa said.
He said the action would not be reversed until the government dismiss the commissioner and provides adequate staffing and resource allocation and enhances security measures.
Though, the commissioner denied the allegations, daring the association to go on strike.
READ ALSO: Let Them Go On Strike, Kano Commissioner Dares NMA Over Alleged Doctor’s Assault
Abdullahi made the denial in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday. She said, “Let them go on strike now! They are not the ones that appointed me. My office is the humanitarian office.”.
The commissioner, who accused the health worker of negligence, explained that she was ignored by the staff when she intervened in a situation where a patient could not get prompt treatment.
However, a statement released by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday evening quoted the NMA Chairman, Dr. Abdurrahman, as confirming the resumption of services today (Thursday) while addressing the press at the Kano Government House.
According to the statement, “Dr. Abdurrahman stated that the decision to suspend the strike came after a productive meeting with Governor Yusuf, where tensions arising from a misunderstanding between a hospital doctor and a state commissioner were amicably resolved.”
The statement added that Dr. Abdurrahman expressed his gratitude for the governor’s swift action, which averted further disruption of critical healthcare services.
“He called on Kano residents to channel any grievances through appropriate authorities, assuring them that any disputes between patients and healthcare providers would be fairly investigated and addressed.” The statement added.