The National Association of Government General and Medical Dental Practitioners has raised alarm over the alarming doctor-to-patient ratio in Kano State, revealing that there is only one doctor for every 33,000 patients.
The association’s secretary, Dr. Anas Idris Hassan, announced plans for a potential strike starting October 1 during a press conference on Saturday.
Dr. Hassan expressed frustration that the Kano State Government has failed to address key issues, despite reaching an agreement in June.
He highlighted the unresolved matter of hazard allowances, particularly the post-COVID-19 allowance, which has been provided by the federal government since 2021 but remains unpaid to Kano doctors.
Additionally, he pointed out that newly employed medical doctors, hired in September 2023, have not yet received their salaries.
The medical practitioner also voiced concerns about the deteriorating condition of hospitals in Kano, including a lack of essential medical equipment.
He underscored the urgent need to address these issues, as the current doctor-to-patient ratio is significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommended standards.
With an estimated population of 20 million people in Kano, served by only 600 doctors, resulting in a ratio of one doctor to 33,000 patients.
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