By Desire Emmanuel
The medical director of a hospital in Anambra State has been abducted by some gunmen shortly after leaving his place of work and his whereabouts are currently unknown.
To this end, doctors in the state, under the aegis of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) have threatened to down tools if the medical personnel, Dr Edwin Emegakor, who was abducted on May 7, was not rescued within 48 hours.
The doctors made the call in a communiqué issued after its Emergency General Meeting on Saturday, May 9.
The communiqué, signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, its Chairman and Secretary respectively, called on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the doctor.
It said that Emegakor, the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, was abducted in the evening after attending to his patients by unidentified men in uniform.
The NMA said the kidnappers were yet to establish communication with the doctor’s family, his relatives, friends or colleagues as of Saturday afternoon.
The communiqué said relevant government agencies had been duly notified and were already taking action towards the rescue of Emegakor.
“NMA Anambra State condemned this recent kidnapping and insecurity and called on the government and security agencies to rise up to this challenge immediately.
“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 the above time line and our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra under the aegis of the NMA will down tools until our member is released.
“An emergency meeting will be convened within the next 48 hours to review the progress made so far,” it said.
The association urged members to continue to work towards providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to the people of Anambra State in spite of the challenge.
“It is our hope that your sacrifices shall not go unrewarded,” it said.
