The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Anambra State has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the release of Dr Edwin Emegakor, its member who was abducted on the evening of 7 May. Dr Emegakor, the medical director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, was taken by unidentified men in uniform after attending to patients. The NMA made the announcement in a communiqué following an emergency general meeting held on Saturday.
The statement was signed by the NMA Anambra branch Chairman, Princeston Okam, and Secretary, Obiaeli Ifeanyi. It called on the Anambra State Government and security agencies to secure Dr Emegakor's immediate release. The kidnappers had not contacted his family, friends or colleagues as of Saturday morning, the NMA said.
The association condemned the rising insecurity and the recent wave of kidnappings. It stated that relevant government agencies had been informed and were taking action. The NMA warned that if Dr Emegakor was not freed within 48 hours, all doctors under its umbrella in Anambra would go on strike until he was released. An emergency meeting would be held within that period to assess progress.
The NMA acknowledged Governor Charles Soludo's efforts to improve healthcare delivery, as relayed by the Commissioner for Health, Afam Ben Obidike. It urged members to continue providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare despite the situation. "It is our hope that your sacrifices shall not go unrewarded," the communiqué stated.
The NMA demands action for Dr Emegakor while praising a government it holds responsible for his safety. It risks a strike that could harm the same patients it vows to protect. Praising Soludo's health reforms while threatening industrial action over security exposes a split focus. Doctors are caught between public duty and personal peril, with no clear path to either safety or justice.
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