The Nigerian Medical Association has described as uncomplimentary, a statement by the Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, saying that health workers, in addition to carrying a valid means of identification, must show evidence of being on duty whenever they move around the state during the lockdown.
The group says that it has received some reports from its members pertaining to the enforcement of restriction of movement leading to their harassment.
It emphasized that all hands are needed on deck at this time to fight the Coronavirus pandemic.
A statement issued by the group on Wednesday, said; “medical doctors are not unmindful of the great responsibility that the profession places on them at difficult times like these, especially considering the need to continue to keep the hospitals open and attend to other life threatening conditions outside COVID-19. These services are also rendered at both public and private facilities.
It is also imperative for the CP to realise that the health workers are always on duty as you can be called to report at any and all times, also that the other ancillary health staff are part of health team.
Indeed, we are the first line of defence and the last line of retreat in the ongoing pandemic. However, we need the support and collaboration of other stakeholders to effectively discharge their duties.
We therefore call on the Lagos state government and all Nigerians to advise Mr Odumosu on the possible implication(s) of his statement as any harassment of our members will elicit a strong response from the Association”. It stated.
