NMA laments abduction of members, claims 48 doctors kidnapped

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), on Tuesday decried the rate at which doctors are kidnapped in the country.

The president of the association, Dr Adedayo Faduyile, who spoke at a news conference to mark the 2019 Physicians’ Week in Akure, said doctors are no more safe to carry out their duties in Nigeria, adding that 48 of their members had been kidnapped in the last two years.

He lamented that doctors in the country had been facing challenges like kidnapping in the line of duty, incessant harassment/assault by patients and their relations, and unfortunate maltreatment by employers with poor salaries.

He also explained that the situation had led to the massive movement of doctors leaving the country.

“The Nigerian doctors decided to celebrate this year with the theme based on the identified lacuna in the care of this category of patients, especially in respect of policy framework.

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“In the last one year, Nigerian doctors have had significant input in the improvement of the health of the nation.

“In this regard, I appreciate all physicians who have been working assiduously in ensuring that we collectively fulfill our key responsibilities to the Nigerian state.

“It is worthy of note that all have not been well with Nigerian doctors; the kidnapping of our members in the course of discharging their duties to the Nigerian state with some still in captivity.

“Despite the various challenges, Nigerian physicians have continued to render desirable health care services, and we thank God for another year.

“I want to state that it is important to continue to strive to improve ourselves for the betterment of the Nigerian populace,” he said.

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