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.
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.