Pulse.ng : Group gives Medical Centre ultimatum to reinstate visually impaired nurse

By Perpetua Onuegbu

The Network of Women with Disabilities (NWD), has given Federal Medical Centre, Bida, a 14-day ultimatum to reinstate, Aisha Aminu, its member, to her position as a nursing staff or face legal action.

The network gave the ultimatum at a news conference it tagged “Injustice Faced by Aisha Aminu: A call for Justice and Equal Opportunity on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mrs Lois Auta, Executive Director of the network, said the ultimatum became necessary as their member Aisha Amina had faced significant challenges and discrimination due to her visual impairment.

According to Auta, Aminu in spite of her visual impairment from an early age has pursued her ambition to become a nurse and was able to achieve this via assistive technologies in 2018.

“She successfully graduated in 2022; she was licensed to practice as a nurse, a testament to her perseverance and dedication.

“In early 2024, Aisha applied for a nursing position at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida. She passed the Computer Based Test exam and was appointed as a nurse and she assumed work on June 5.

“During the documentation process, the Executive Director of Quality Life for Persons with Special Needs Foundation informed the Director of Nursing Service Federal Medical Centre Bida about Aisha’s impairment advocating her effectiveness.

“On her first day, Aisha was posted to the antenatal clinic, where she provided health education and documented patients’ vital signs. In spite of her visual impairment she performed her duties dedicatedly,” Auta recounted.

Auta said on June 19 Amin’s appointment letter was unjustly retrieved because her ability to work effectively was questioned on account of her visual impairment.

She said this was in spite of the fact that she had proven to be effective in her duties.

The network therefore gave the management of the hospital a 14-day ultimatum to restate her or face the law, and also demanded a public apology to her.

“Aisha”s case highlights the need for equal opportunities and non-discrimination in the workplace, especially for individuals with disabilities.

“She has proven her capability and dedication to her profession and deserves the chance to continue her career without unjust barriers.

“People should stop discriminating against people with disabilities; we already have challenges and difficulties without undue discrimination adding more to our challenges,” Auta said.

The Vice President, NWD, Miss Rose Daniel, decried the discrimination against Aminu stressing that she was impaired before getting the appointment.

Daniel said the treatment was unjust, adding that it increases the mental trauma that the already disadvantaged person had. (NAN)