The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Cross River has threatened to withdraw medical services over incessant kidnapping of its members. The association issued the threat in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr. Agam Ayuk, and the Secretary, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, after its emergency general meeting held in Calabar yesterday.
NMA, which said the decision to withdraw its services became necessary due to increasing cases of kidnapping of its members, recalled that the wife of one of its members was kidnapped on August 15 and released the next day.
“The recent kidnap of the spouse of a medical doctor is the second incident of doctors’ targeted kidnap in Cross River in the past one month.
It is noteworthy that in the last 18 months, within Calabar alone, five doctors and five dependents/family members have been kidnapped at various times and locations.
“The release of affected victims has been conditional including payment of ransom in most instances.
This has caused great psychological, emotional and financial distress to the affected families.
“NMA in Cross River reiterates that we shall withdraw all medical services without any notice, anytime a doctor or dependent is kidnapped. Medical doctors cannot continue to save lives while their very lives and those of their dependents remain under constant threat by criminals,” the statement read.
Guardian
