The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has sounded the alarm on the mass exodus of medical doctors from the country, blaming the rampant insecurity that has plagued Nigeria.
Abubakar Hassan, Kogi State Chairman of the NMA, revealed that medical personnel have become prime targets for criminal elements, despite their vital service to humanity.
Hassan lamented that the recurring kidnapping of medical doctors has crippled health services in Kogi state and across the nation.
He cited cases of doctors being held captive, including two in a North Central state, one for over a year.
In a stark assessment, Hassan declared that the federal government’s failure to provide security for its citizens has become a great hindrance to medical practice in Nigeria.
According to him, the strike action on August 24, 2024 was a last resort to press home their demands.
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Also speaking, Jimoh Umar, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, reported full compliance with the warning strike in Kogi state.
Umar decried the deteriorating security of medical doctors and urged the government to address their demands.
Recall that the strike comes after the abduction of one Dr Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, who has been held captive for eight months.
Popoola was abducted in December 2023 alongside her husband, and nephew.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has demanded action from the government to ensure the safe release of their colleague and improve security for medical professionals.
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