The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has condemned the increasing abduction of medical doctors in Anambra, threatening to embark on a strike.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by Jane Ezeonu (acting NMA chair) and Dubia Awachie (secretary) of the Anambra branch, the association called on Governor Charles Soludo and security agencies in the state to take bold measures to prevent doctors’ kidnappings.
“NMA totally condemns this recurring sad situation which has made life unbearing for the citizens and has contributed significantly to the brain drain in the state.We seize this opportunity to once again call on the authorities, particularly the Anambra government, to step up efforts at surmounting the security challenges in the state,” added the doctors. “We may resort to actions to reverse this ugly trend and safeguard our members.”
The doctors said at least three doctors have been kidnapped between January and June this year. They stated that the most recent abduction occured on June 25 when a medical doctor was kidnapped at Nimo, Njikoka local government area.
“On Saturday, June 25, a doctor and member of our association was kidnapped in the evening while returning from work at Nimo, where he works in a private hospital. He was kidnapped alongside a friend, a pharmacy student, and were both held in captivity for 24 hours by their abductors. They were only released on the night of June 26,” the statement revealed.
The NMA further warned that doctors might be unable to guarantee the provision of healthcare services if the government does not take drastic measures to ensure their safety.
