UYO- The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom Chapter, has faulted the state government’s move to sack doctors on its payroll for running private hospitals.

The reaction was contained in a statement signed by the NMA state Chairman, Dr Bassey Ntekim and his Secretary, Dr Roland Esu.

Last week, the state government at the end of its Executive Council Meeting, threatened to sack doctors in government employment who operated private clinics as from Jan. 2009.

The statement said the effect of the proposed policy would lead to massive resignation of doctors from the state civil service.

According to the statement, the threat, if implemented, could also lead to NMA’s boycott of the state recruitment of medical officers in future.

“This has far reaching implications on the state’s deplorable health care system with only three medical consultants in its health care workforce,” it said.

The NMA cited the Regulated and other Professions (Private Practice Prohibition Act, Medicine and Dentistry Exemption) Order 1992 to buttress its position.

The statement said this had given legal vent for private practice by doctors in civil service at un-official time.

“It is worthy of note that this Act remains valid unless vacated by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria .”

The Act made by the military administration of President Ibrahim Babaginda was to enable medical doctors in the public service to engage in private practice, but not at the expense of public interest.

The doctors described the proposed policy as “grave error of judgment”.

“It also implies that government has special misgivings against our professional group,” it said.
The statement, however, pledged to partner with the government to improve the health sector.
According to it, the association had already constituted Medical Practice and Ethics Committee to discipline erring members.