Doctors at Kano paediatric hospital commence strike over insecurity
Story from Aliyu ASKIRA, Kano
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has directed medical doctors at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital in Kano State to withdraw their services due to escalating concerns over their safety and security within the health sector.
In a statement issued by Dr Abdulrahman Aliyu, Secretary of the NMA Kano branch, the association said on May 27, two female doctors were assaulted and threatened with a gun by unidentified individuals, some of whom were accompanied by hospital security guards.
“The doctors, diligently performing their duties, were abruptly confronted by armed men who forcibly entered their call room.
“Despite their efforts to explain the situation, they were verbally abused, threatened, and had a gun pointed at them,” the statement read.
Aliyu said the ordeal lasted nearly an hour, with no assistance from the hospital management or external authorities.
He also said earlier this year, a large group of hoodlums armed with weapons assaulted a medical officer on duty in the maternity unit of Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano.
He said such incidents have significantly impacted the morale and sense of security among healthcare workers in the state.
When contacted, Hajiya Samira Sulaiman, public relations officer of the board, said they are aware of the issue and an investigation had been launched.
She assured that the outcome of the investigation would be communicated to the public.