Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association NMA, in Cross River State, Dr Felix Archibong has clarified that members of the Association are not on strike but have merely withdrawn their professional services in all hospitals in the state following the kidnap of their colleague four days ago.
Prof. Ekanem Ephraim was kidnapped from her office at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, on Thursday, 13 July 2023, whilst attending to patients.
In the last two years, more than five doctors working at the UCTH have been kidnapped but were released after ransom payments were made.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Dr Archibong said the Doctors have now abandoned medical consulting for the kidnappers of their colleagues.
“We are in our workplaces but have withdrawn our services. Let the kidnappers go and do the work.”, he said.
He disclosed that as part of efforts to get their colleague rescued, the doctors have met with the Deputy Governor, Peter Odey.
“We met with the Deputy Governor yesterday. He has told us to be a bit more patient as the government is working with the security agencies to secure her release.
“Presently, we are in our offices but we’re not consulting. We’re, however, not on strike”, he said.
A day after the kidnap of Prof. Ephraim, the NMA leadership in the state held an emergency meeting where they resolved to withdraw all services in public and private hospitals pending the release of their colleague.
