The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised the recent call for the removal of the Minister of Health by the Joint Health Sector Workers Union saying it is an attempt to scuttle the passage of the National Health Bill.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, the President of NMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele said the protest by the workers union to the national assembly is aimed at intimidating and blackmailing federal lawmakers not to pass the health bill.
Dr Enabulele appealed to Nigerians to shun selfish acts aimed at protecting professional territorial interests as he appealed to the national assembly to pass the bill in order to deliver healthcare dividends to all Nigerians.
Members of the joint health sector workers union had recently protested to the national assembly to demand the removal of the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, over allegations of worsening health services and undue support for medical doctors.
Although the face-off between the workers union and the NMA may not be in the overall interest of Nigerians, the apex body of medical practitioners expressed optimism that the eventual passage of the National Health Bill is a veritable tool for transforming the nation’s healthcare system.
