The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch, has threatened to down tools if its member, Dr Edwin Emegakor, who was abducted on May 7, is not released within 48 hours.
The association made the demand in a communiqué issued after an Emergency General Meeting on Saturday. The communiqué was signed by Dr Princeston Okam (Chairman) and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi (Secretary).
The NMA stated that Dr Emegakor, Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, was abducted on the evening of May 7 by unidentified men in uniform after attending to patients.
As of Saturday morning, the kidnappers had not established contact with his family, relatives, friends, or colleagues.
The association condemned the kidnapping and called on the Anambra State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the doctor’s immediate release.
“A 48-hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra State Government to secure the immediate release of our colleague, Dr Edwin Emegakor. If at the expiration of this deadline our member is not released, all doctors in Anambra under the aegis of the NMA will down tools until he is freed,” the communiqué read.
It added that an emergency meeting would be convened within the next 48 hours to review progress.
The NMA appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike, for their efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the state, while urging stronger measures to tackle insecurity.
The association, however, urged its members to continue providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services to the people of Anambra despite the current challenge.
