Doctors in Kano State have stopped work at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital due to an alleged assault on one of their colleagues by the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Amina Abdullahi Ganduje. In response, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued an ultimatum to the Kano State Government, calling for the immediate dismissal of the commissioner. The doctors’ association stated that the commissioner’s actions showed a serious lack of respect for healthcare workers and the challenges they face.
The incident reportedly occurred on November 1 at the hospital’s Emergency Pediatric Unit. At the time, a single doctor was managing all pediatric cases in the hospital, with over a hundred patients under her care. According to the NMA, the commissioner and her team, including security personnel, confronted and allegedly assaulted the doctor because a particular medication was unavailable — an issue beyond the doctor’s control.
The NMA expressed deep concern, saying it is troubling when government officials, who are meant to support public welfare, misuse their authority against healthcare professionals. This incident, they added, highlights the daily struggles doctors face in Kano’s public hospitals, which include severe staff shortages, resource limitations, and the lack of adequate security.
Following this, the NMA held an Ordinary General Meeting where they condemned the alleged abuse of power. They decided to suspend services at the hospital to draw attention to the need for changes that will create a safer, more supportive work environment. The NMA emphasized that doctors cannot provide adequate care without sufficient resources and security.
Although suspending services at the hospital was a difficult decision, the NMA stated that it was necessary to address these pressing issues. They acknowledged the impact this might have on patients but emphasized that the suspension is a crucial step towards better conditions for healthcare workers.
The NMA called on Governor Abba Yusuf to address these issues urgently. They also appealed to the people of Kano to understand that this action is aimed at improving the healthcare system, not to punish patients. They reassured the public of their commitment to working with the government to make Kano’s healthcare system safer and more reliable for both healthcare workers and patients.
