Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has called on the Nigerian Medical Association to end its strike, warning that the continued industrial action threatens the lives of over 20 million Kano residents who depend on medical care.
The NMA began the strike in protest after a female doctor was allegedly assaulted by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.
The association had issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the commissioner’s dismissal but the health workers commenced the strike when the demand was not met.
In a live broadcast on Thursday with radio journalists, Governor Yusuf expressed disappointment over the strike, describing it as a response to a “dispute between two adults.”
He urged the NMA to let the investigation proceed fairly and avoid endangering the health of millions of residents.
“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. The NMA knows that this government values the welfare of doctors,” he stated.
The governor said he had set up a committee to investigate the incident and directed it to submit a report within 48 hours.
“As I speak, the report is already on my table, and I will act on it immediately,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
He asked the doctors to consider the needs of vulnerable patients, including pregnant women and other critical cases, and end the strike in the interest of public health. “If they now feel no one can talk to them, and their only next action is a strike, they should consider the lives of 20 million residents who could be put at risk over a disagreement between two individuals,” Yusuf said.
The governor also apologized on behalf of the government and assured that any official found guilty would face appropriate consequences.
He highlighted his administration’s commitment to accountability and urged the NMA to work with the government to ensure continued care for Kano’s residents.