Medical doctors in Anambra State have issued a strong warning to the State Government, threatening to begin an indefinite strike if abducted physician, Dr. Edwin Emegakor, is not rescued within the next 48 hours.
The ultimatum was announced by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Chapter, in a communiqué released after an Emergency General Meeting held on Saturday.
Dr. Emegakor, the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, was reportedly kidnapped on the evening of May 7 by unidentified men dressed in uniform shortly after attending to patients.
In the communiqué signed by the Association’s Chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and Secretary, Dr. Obiageli Ifeanyi, the doctors said the abductors had not contacted the victim’s family, colleagues or friends as of Saturday morning.
The Association confirmed that security agencies and relevant government authorities had already been alerted and were making efforts to secure the Doctor’s release.
Condemning the abduction, the NMA described the worsening insecurity in the State as unacceptable and called for immediate action from authorities.
“NMA Anambra condemns this recent kidnapping and insecurity and calls on the government and security agencies to rise up to this challenge immediately,” the statement read.
The Association also handed a direct ultimatum to the Anambra State Government, demanding the immediate release of their colleague within 48 hours.
“A 48-hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra Government to secure the immediate release of our colleague, Dr. Edwin Emegakor,” the communiqué stated.
The doctors warned that failure to rescue the abducted physician before the deadline expires would trigger a total withdrawal of medical services across the State.
“If at the expiration of the above timeline, our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra under the aegis of the NMA will down tools until our member is released,” the Association declared.
According to the communiqué, another emergency meeting will be held within the next 48 hours to assess developments surrounding the rescue efforts.
Despite the tension, the Association commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo, through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, for ongoing efforts aimed at improving healthcare delivery in Anambra State.
The NMA also encouraged doctors across the State to continue rendering quality and affordable healthcare services despite growing security concerns.
“It is our hope that your sacrifices shall not go unrewarded,” the Association added.
