The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) states that the association opposes strikes in the country’s health sector.
IMAN’s National President, Prof. Ibrahim Oreagba, expressed this at the association’s National Executive Council meeting held in Auchi, Edo, on Saturday.
Oreagba explained that IMAN’s policy does not support strikes in the health sector, adding that during strikes, Muslim health workers remain to provide healthcare to patients.
According to him, thousands of patients die during health strikes.
He further stated that, as Muslim medical practitioners, it is the duty of members to save lives rather than allow patients to die during strikes.
“Whenever there is strike, it is a problem for our patients. Once it is strike, whether Muslims or non Muslims, it is the patients that will suffer.
“Thousands of patients die during medical strike. So, we must look into the welfare of our patients.
“If you decide not to work and you downturn and many patients die; then, the government now takes care of your needs; who will bring back the lives of the patients?
“Therefore, we do not support strike and IMAN as a body is against strike by medical health workers,” Oreagba said.
The IMAN boss, however, called on both Muslim and non-Muslim health workers to be professional in discharging their duties to save lives.
Dr. Muhammad Haruna, a Consultant Family Physician at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, said that sickness was a trial by Allah, adding that those who are patient with Him will be healed.
Haruna delivered a lecture titled: “Sickness As a Trial And Islamic Solution”.
The consultant, who is also a senior lecturer at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, Bauchi State, stated that Allah used sickness to cleanse sins and for purification.
“Sickness or illness is a condition where the body or mind is harmed because of an organ or part is unable to function as it usually does.
“In Islam, sickness is profoundly regarded as a trial or test; it is a means of spiritual growth and purification.
“Illness and and other trials are part of human experience and it is a display of Allah’s mercy.
“In Islam, illness and other forms of trials are viewed as divine tests, not punishments. Patience and reliance on Allah bring immense rewards,” he said.
Haruna listed the benefits of sickness to Muslims as forgiveness of sins, divine love of Allah, earning Allah’s pleasure, elevation of status and continuous reward.
“Trial in form of illness is inevitable as Allah has decreed that it will be part of human beings.
“The only way to combat this is through patience.
“May Allah grant us strength, patience, righteousness and reward us with Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen,” he prayed.
Earlier, the Chairman of IMAN, Edo State branch, Prof Tijjani Oseni, said the programme was to better the lives of humans and those who could not afford health.
Oseni disclosed that the association would offer free medical care to people at a low cost.
He listed some of the free medical services, including blood pressure testing, sugar tests, and general consultations, among others.
“This programme brings together all health professionals across the country, who are part of IMAN.
“The idea is to come together and brainstorm on how to better the lives of human beings and our people who cannot afford healthcare services, ” Oseni said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IMAN is a professional and non-political organisation that unites Muslim healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
The association, established in 1989, aims to foster unity among its members and provides selfless service to humanity guided by Islamic principles.
IMAN works to improve healthcare in Nigeria through various activities, including providing medical services, education, training, and advocacy.
