- Prof. Emem Abraham said the strike became imperative to draw the attention of the government and security agencies to the plights of medical workers.
The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Akwa Ibom has embarked on an industrial action over the abduction of one of its members two weeks ago.
The association suspended medical services across all government and private hospitals in the State due to the continued incarceration of the kidnapped member.
Recall that gunmen had on April 30, 2024, abducted a senior member of the doctors’ association, Dr John Esu at Oron local government area.
Dr Esu’s prolonged captivity has compelled the furious medics to stop work, attributing the development to the insensitivity of government and security agencies towards the safety of lives and properties of the people, including medical workers.
NMA State Chairman, Prof. Emem Abraham said the strike became imperative to draw the attention of the government and security agencies to the plights of medical workers.
Abraham ordered all members including consultants to the state government and privately owned hospitals to withdraw their services saying the action would be reviewed after 72 hours.
“The NMA, Akwa Ibom State has resolved to withdraw services from all government and private hospitals in sympathy with our member who had been in captivity for over 15 days. The withdrawal of services takes immediate effect and shall be reviewed after 72 hours.
“The entire members of our association have been psychologically traumatised by this unfortunate situation, and are not in any good frame of mind to continue serving the public, while Dr. John Esu remains in the kidnappers’ den.”