The National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners has raised concern over the current doctor to patient ratio in Kano State, threatening to embark on strike on October 1.
The secretary of the association in Kano, Dr. Anas Idris Hassan, made this known while addressing newsmen on the outcome of its meeting.
He stated that despite reaching an agreement with the Kano State Government in June, the government had yet to respond to its demands, including hazard allowance, specifically the post COVID-19 hazard allowance which had been paid by the federal government since 2021 but yet to be paid by the state government.
READ ALSO: ABUTH resident doctors embark on five-day warning strike over non-payment of salary arrears
Dr. Anas further mentioned that newly employed medical doctors, who were hired by the state government in September 2023, had not been paid their salaries.
The medical practitioners also expressed concern over the dilapidated state of Kano hospitals and the lack of necessary equipment, stressing the urgent need to address these issues.
Dr. Anas highlighted the critical doctor-to-patient ratio in Kano, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s standard.
He noted that there are an estimated 20 million people in Kano, served by only 600 doctors, resulting in a ratio of one doctor to 33,000 patients.
The medical practitioners concluded that they have no option but to embark on the strike on October 1.
Credible News had reported that in July, the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, branch commenced a five-day warning strike over the nonpayment of salaries owed some members.
Dr Ashiru Mikail, Vice President of the association made this known during a news conference in Zaria, noting that the association on July 15, gave management of the hospital a one-week ultimatum to address their demands or be faced with a warning strike.
The president stated that the association would reconvene to review its strategy after the warning strike with a view to determine the next line of action.
Mikail said that the association rejects percentage salary payments for members on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS, platform and demand repayment of parts of their salaries withheld.
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