The Nigerian Medical Association, MMA, has condemned the random kidnapping and killings of health workers, describing it as a ‘condemnable act.’
In a press release made available to newsmen, NMA President, Prof. Innocent Ujah lamented that the abduction of health workers has become a new trend in the country.
“The NMA condemn the kidnapping and killing of doctors and other health workers by insurgents.
“We also urge the federal government to do all within her power to rescue those in captivity while ensuring the security and safety of other health workers as well as every other Nigerian,” he said.
In June, a 70-year-old medical doctor practising in Abuja, Dr. Benedict Audu abducted along with two others was killed by a criminal gang even after being paid N7.5 million ransom.
In March 2020, the Cross River chapter of the NMA embarked on an indefinite strike over reports that 15 medical doctors and their dependents had been abducted in the state since 2017.
The association warned that it would henceforth withdraw all medical services without any notice anytime a doctor or dependents are taken captive in any part of the state.
Similarly, on September 16, operatives of the Anti-kidnapping unit of Bayelsa State Police Command declared that it had foiled the kidnap of a medical doctor working at General Hospital, Odi in Kolokuma/Opukuma Local Government Area.
Again on October 7 in Lokoja, two medical doctors, Dr. Ebiloma Aduku of Zonal Hospital, Ankpa and Dr. Kelechi Mgbahurike of Christ the King Hospital, Anyigba were both announced missing.
The NMA president equally flayed state governments who deprived doctors and other health workers their hard-earned salaries.
“We condemn the state governments that are owing doctors in their employment salaries and allowances for upward of eleven to sixteen months. This is highly demotivating and unacceptable.
“It is our firm belief that with the right support from the government, our efforts to provide excellent services to Nigerians will continue to contribute to national development for social and economic growth,” he said.
Ujah also commended doctors for upholding the tenets of the Hippocratic Oath despite being on the receiving end.
“We must sincerely commend and celebrate all doctors practising in Nigeria who in the face of daunting challenges and grave risks to life and livelihood continue to maintain the highest possible standard of professionalism in providing health care services to Nigerians.
“I urge you, my dear colleagues, to continue with your good work with an unwavering commitment to excellence and utmost professionalism that the Nigerian Doctor is historically known for,” he said.
