The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering essential medical services, particularly emergency care, amid the ongoing nationwide hunger protests.
In a statement from NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, the association emphasized its directive for members across the country to prioritize the treatment of injured protesters at healthcare facilities.
Prof. Audu highlighted increasing incidents of violence, injuries, and looting associated with the protests, noting reports of attacks on ambulances, which have raised concerns about the safety of medical personnel. “We must ensure the safety of medical practitioners so they can operate freely and save lives,” he stated.
He urged caution among doctors to avoid being caught up in protests while traveling to work. The NMA president also called for dialogue between protesters and the government, advocating for the restoration of law and order on a national scale.
Additionally, Dr. Babajide Saheed, Chairman of NMA Lagos State Branch, encouraged healthcare providers to treat gunshot victims promptly without requiring a police report, in alignment with the Treatment and Care of Gunshot Victims Act. He emphasized that specialized care is crucial for gunshot injuries to prevent severe outcomes.
Furthermore, Dr. Saheed urged the Federal government to reimburse private health facilities for providing these critical services and to reconsider its economic policies to enhance citizens’ quality of life.
