The Nigerian Medical Association in Cross River on Thursday said it could not continue to save lives when the lives of its members are in danger.

The NMA reached this resolution on Thursday in Calabar after its emergency general meeting to discuss the kidnapping of Dr Ekanem Ephraim, a professor of Neurology.

Ms Ephraim is held hostage by the kidnappers.

The medical doctor was abducted on July 13 at her Calabar residence by armed men who pretended to be patients seeking medical attention.

Following the incident, the NMA convened an emergency meeting on July 15 and immediately withdrew its services in all medical facilities across Calabar.

In a communique signed by its chairman, Felix Archibong, the association said it was not unmindful of the impact of its withdrawing medical services on the people.

It maintained that it could not continue ensuring that citizens are alive and well when armed bandits and kidnappers constantly threaten doctors’ lives.

The NMA said doctors’ withdrawal of medical services in Cross River would be sustained until Ms Ephraim was released.

“NMA Cross River demands, in clear terms, proof of life of our member, Prof Ephraim, who is still in captivity, within the next 24 hours,” said the medical association. “That our renowned member be released, either dead or alive, and if in any eventuality of her not being alive anymore, the state government must accord her a befitting burial.”

The medical doctors passed a vote of no confidence in police commissioner Gyogen Grima.

They demanded the visibility of the crack team of the inspector general of police in Cross River.

Over the last five years, at least 10 medical practitioners have been kidnapped in Cross River. 

(NAN)