Doctors play a pivotal role in preserving health, saving lives, offering essential medical care, and advancing healthcare, serving as pillars of well-being and guardians of public health.
The Enugu State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has disclosed that within a span of fewer than two months, over 10 doctors have fallen victim to kidnappings and other violent crimes in the state.
This revelation was contained in a communiqué released at the conclusion of an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu. The joint signatories of the communique were Dr. Celestine Ugwoke, Chairman of NMA Enugu State, and Dr. Sunday Okafor, the General Secretary.
The statement highlighted the alarming trend of doctors being targets of kidnapping and violent crimes, labeling it as unprecedented in the history of Enugu State. Copies of the communique have been dispatched to various government offices and security agencies, emphasizing the need for immediate and resolute actions.
The EGM expressed deep concern over the prevailing insecurity in the country, particularly noting the surge in kidnappings affecting medical practitioners. It lamented the minimal, and in some cases absent, security presence in public hospitals, attributing this lapse to the emboldened criminal elements operating with impunity and jeopardizing the safety of doctors and citizens alike.
Furthermore, the EGM observed that the escalating insecurity in Enugu State adds an overwhelming burden to the already strained healthcare facilities, endangering the safety of healthcare workers who are tasked with caring for victims of these violent crimes.
The association’s meeting resulted in seven resolutions aimed at addressing this disconcerting trend. These resolutions encompass demands for increased armed security presence in public hospitals, a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s security infrastructure, and a call for security agencies to intensify efforts in apprehending culprits involved in these criminal acts.
Additionally, the EGM urged health institutions to prioritize the safety of medical consultants on hospital duty, either through providing adequate facilities or arranging safe transportation for them. It also advocated for the establishment of Security Committees within these institutions to enhance safety measures and collaboration with security agencies.
Conclusively, the EGM warned of potential disruptions within the health sector if substantial progress is not made promptly in addressing these critical security concerns.
