The Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf on Thursday urged the Nigerian Medical Association to call off its strike, warning that it might imperil the lives of nearly 20 million Kano citizens who rely on medical services.
The governor told the NMA that the report from the investigating panel looking into the alleged assault of a female doctor by the state’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital is on his desk and ready for swift action.
The NMA had given the state government a 48-hour deadline to dismiss the commissioner, threatening to go on strike if the demand was not satisfied.
Speaking on the issue during a joint live broadcast with select radio journalists, Yusuf voiced regret in the NMA’s decision to strike over what he described as a “dispute between two adults,” encouraging the organisation to allow due process to play out.
“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,” the governor stated.
Yusuf added that when he learnt about the occurrence, he immediately formed a committee to investigate and asked it to deliver a report within 48 hours.
“As I speak, the report is already on my table, and I will act on it immediately.
“But 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,” he said.
Apologising on behalf of the Kano State Government, the governor urged the striking doctors to consider the impact on vulnerable patients, notably pregnant women awaiting delivery, and to end the strike for the sake of public health.
Yusuf further stated that any official found responsible for the incident would face appropriate punishment, stressing his administration’s commitment to accountability.
