- The association voiced concerns over the deteriorating state of hospitals in Kano
Doctors in Kano State are set to go on strike from October 1 following the government’s failure to meet their demands, according to the National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners.
The association’s secretary, Dr. Anas Hassan, announced the decision after a meeting on Friday, highlighting that the state government had not fulfilled its promises made three months ago.
Dr. Hassan said the government has yet to pay the post-COVID-19 hazard allowance, which the federal government settled for its workers in 2021. He also revealed that doctors hired by the Kano State Government in September 2023 have not been paid their salaries.
The association voiced concerns over the deteriorating state of hospitals in Kano and the shortage of critical medical equipment, which they argue hampers their ability to deliver effective healthcare.
According to Dr. Hassan, Kano’s health sector is also grappling with a severe doctor shortage, with an estimated 20 million residents being served by just 600 doctors—resulting in a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1 to 33,000, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended standard.
The doctors say the strike is a last resort after repeated attempts to engage with the government.
In a related development, the Federal Government has set up four committees to address the demands of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), which has also threatened to strike.
The nurses are pushing for a range of reforms, including the creation of a nursing department within the Ministry of Health, an upward review of professional allowances, and the inclusion of nurses in health policy-making bodies.
Other demands include the gazetting of nurses’ schemes of service as approved in 2016, payment of salaries owed to staff at the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and improved staffing and equipment in health facilities.
The Federal Government is yet to respond to the demands as the October 1 deadline for the doctors’ strike looms.