CurrentReport Blog The Kano State chapter of the National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners has announced plans to commence an indefinite strike on October 1, 2024, following the state government’s failure to meet their demands. This was disclosed by the association’s secretary, Dr. Anas Idris Hassan, during a press briefing on Saturday.
Dr. Hassan revealed that despite reaching an agreement with the Kano State Government in June, several key issues remain unaddressed. He highlighted the government’s failure to pay post-COVID-19 hazard allowances, which have been paid by the Federal Government since 2021, but are yet to be settled by the Kano authorities.
Furthermore, Dr. Hassan lamented that newly employed medical doctors, hired in September 2023, have not received their salaries. This delay has exacerbated the financial strain on healthcare professionals in the state.
The association also raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions of hospitals in Kano, citing a lack of essential equipment and inadequate facilities. They emphasized that the situation poses a serious threat to healthcare delivery in the state.
Dr. Hassan pointed out the alarming doctor-to-patient ratio in Kano, which is far below the World Health Organization’s recommended standard. With a population of around 20 million people, Kano is served by only 600 doctors, resulting in a ratio of one doctor to 33,000 patients.
The association urged the Kano State Government to urgently address these issues to avert the impending strike, which they described as a last resort due to the government’s inaction. As the strike date approaches, there are growing concerns about its potential impact on the already strained healthcare system in Kano.
