Doctors in Cross River state have begun an indefinite strike over the abduction of their colleague. On Thursday, Ekanem Ephraim, a medical doctor with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), was abducted by gunmen at her residence.
Felix Archibong, chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the state, said the kidnappers disguised as patients to gain access to the doctor’s residence. He said the abductors have reached out to her family to demand a ransom. In a communique issued after an emergency general meeting (EGM) of the NMA in Calabar, the state capital, Archibong said despite all efforts in ensuring Ephraim is released, the doctor still remains in captivity.
He said the association has, therefore, resolved to embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services effective immediately. “This withdrawal of medical service will involve all hospitals in the state both federal, state, private and mission,” the communique read. “The state government should activate all necessary instruments at its disposal to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our member in the hands of her abductors.”
He said the NMA in Cross River was not oblivious of the hardship the withdrawal of services would have on the citizens, but appealed to the relevant security agencies to ensure a timely release of the abducted doctor. The medical practitioners, in 2022, had also embarked on strike in the state as a result of the abduction of their members.
