The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decried increasing abduction of medical doctors in Anambra, threatening to withdraw their services.

The Anambra branch of NMA, in a statement on Wednesday, called on Governor Charles Soludo and security agencies in the state to take more proactive measures to prevent doctors’ abductions.

“NMA totally condemns this recurring sad situation which has made life unbearable 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 statement was signed by Jane Ezeonu (acting NMA chair) and Dubem Awachie (secretary) of the association in Anambra.

The doctors said no fewer than three doctors had been reported kidnapped between January and June this year. The NMA stated that the most recent abduction occurred 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,” the NMA statement said. “He was kidnapped alongside a friend, a pharmacy student, and were both held in captivity for over 24 hours by their abductors. They were only released on the night of June 26.”

The NMA warned that doctors might not be able to guarantee the provision of healthcare services if the government did not take urgent measures to ensure their safety. 

(NAN)