Doctors withdraw services to Zamfara police over brutality to colleague

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Zamfara state has withdrawn all medical services to the Police in the state.

The NMA announced this in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the association Dr Tijjani Abubakar and Secretary Dr Mannir Bature respectively, saying the decision affected the children and other family members of the Police.

“We write to regretfully tell the general public the decision of all medical doctors practicing in Zamfara state to withdraw services to men and officers of Zamfara state command of the Nigeria Police Force, including members of their families,” the NMA said.

The association said the decision became necessary owing to the failure of the command to address the issue of assault on their member, Dr Nasir Aminu by the police patrol team leading to loss of his several teeth.

“Based on this, we have taken this decision. We are therefore advising them to seek medical services elsewhere,” the statement said.

When contacted, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Shaba Alkali described the decision as unfortunate. “I have received the letter of their decision and we are now working on how to address the issue. I have directed the deputy commissioner of the command to invite them so that we can meet with them on Wednesday,” the commissioner said.

Dr Nasiru Aminu was allegedly manhandled by the police in August last year while he was on his way from the hospital to his house where they beat him, leading to the loss of his teeth.