To show solidarity with their abducted colleague, medical doctors in Cross River State have initiated an indefinite strike, starting on Sunday.
The decision to go on strike was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency general meeting held in Calabar, which was signed by Dr. Felix Archibong, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River branch.
The abduction took place on Thursday, July 13, when armed men posing as patients kidnapped Dr. Ekanem Ephraim from her residence at around 7:30 pm. Despite efforts made, the doctors expressed their frustration that the abductors had not released their colleague.
As a result, the NMA has decided to embark on a complete and indefinite withdrawal of medical services, effective immediately, as a show of support for their member who remains in captivity. This withdrawal will include all hospitals in the state, whether federal, state-owned, private, or mission-based.
See also: Police Rescues Four Kidnapped Victims In Enugu
The communiqué also called upon the state government to utilize all available means to ensure the prompt and unconditional release of the kidnapped doctor.
While recognizing the potential hardship that the withdrawal of medical services may cause for the citizens, the Cross River NMA appealed to the relevant security agencies to work diligently towards the swift release of their abducted member.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time the association has resorted to a strike due to the abduction of one of its members in Cross River State.
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