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From Desmond Mgboh, Ksno
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has directed medical doctors at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital, Kano to stay off duty over the failure of the state government to prioritize their safety and security while on duty.
A statement issued by the Secretary of the Kano branch of the Association, Abdulrahman Aliyu, Tuesday regretted that at about 2:43 am on the 27th of May 2024, two female doctors on duty were subjected to a terrifying ordeal of assault and gun threat by unidentified individuals.
According to the statement, ‘’the doctors, who were attending to their duties diligently were abruptly confronted by armed men who forcibly entered their call room. Despite their efforts to explain the situation, the doctors were verbally abused, threatened, and even had a gun pointed at them.
The statement said the harrowing experience lasted for nearly an hour, with no assistance forthcoming from hospital management or external authorities.
‘’This incident is not isolated; it reflects a distressing pattern of violence and harassment against healthcare professionals within the facilities in the state.
“Despite previous complaints and pleas for enhanced security measures, our concerns have been largely ignored. It is evident that the safety and well-being of medical personnel at Hasiya Bayero Paediatric Hospital (HBPH) are not adequately prioritized,’’ The statement held
‘’In light of these grave circumstances, we deemed it necessary to withdraw our members from HBPH effective immediately until their safety and security is guaranteed. We cannot continue to risk the lives of our members while enduring such hostile working conditions without assurance of protection.
‘’We implore the Hospital Management Board and relevant authorities to take swift action to address this urgent matter and provide assurances of safety for healthcare workers at HBPH. We remain committed to providing quality care to our patients, but we cannot do so at the expense of our own safety.’’
‘’We urge solidarity and support from all members of the medical community during this challenging time. We shall stand together in demanding accountability and the implementation of necessary reforms to safeguard the lives of healthcare professionals in Kano State.’’
It could be recalled that earlier this year, hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons had reportedly assaulted a medical officer while he was on duty at the maternity unit of Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital in the state
