In light of the ongoing nationwide hunger protests, the Nigerian Medical Association has reaffirmed its commitment to providing medical services, especially emergency care.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, this assurance was given by NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Prof. Audu stated that the association has instructed its members to promptly attend to injured protesters brought to health facilities.
He noted the presence of injuries, violence, looting, and curfews in several states due to the protests, and reported attacks on ambulances, which have raised safety concerns among medical practitioners.
“We must ensure the safety of our doctors so they can continue to move freely and save lives,” Audu emphasized, urging doctors to remain cautious and avoid getting caught up in the protests during their commutes.
He also called on protesters to engage in dialogue with the government and urged both Federal and State authorities to restore law and order.
In a related appeal, Dr. Babajide Saheed, Chairman of the NMA Lagos State Branch, advised doctors to treat gunshot victims without requiring a police report, in accordance with the Treatment and Care of Gunshot Victims Act.
Dr. Saheed highlighted the need for specialized care and equipment to manage gunshot injuries effectively, stressing the risk of death or disability without proper treatment.
Dr. Saheed further called on the Federal government to reimburse private health facilities that provide such critical services and urged a review of economic policies to enhance the quality of life for citizens.
