Physicians in Abia State issue ultimatum for open-ended work stoppage following kidnapping of medical specialist

The Nigerian Medical Association's Abia Branch has given security agencies and the governments of Abia and Imo a 24-hour deadline to secure the release of Dr Bonaventure Aguocha, one of its members.

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A communique issued on Monday in Umuahia, which was signed by NMA Chairman Dr Ezenwa Ezuruike and Secretary Dr Clement Ifenkoronye, outlined the association's demands and was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria.

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The NMA has threatened to embark on a "total and indefinite strike" in the state starting from 8a.m on Tuesday, June 2, if its demands are not met, in a move that could severely impact healthcare services.

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The Emergency General Meeting that led to the communique was convened to discuss the abduction of Dr Aguocha, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon who was taken while returning to Umuahia from Imo on May 24.

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Dr Aguocha is described by the NMA as a dedicated teacher, mentor, and past Abia NMA Chairman who has provided "selfless services" to both Abia and Imo states, and his abduction is seen as part of a disturbing trend of attacks on medical practitioners.

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The NMA cited the unresolved 2020 abduction of Prof. Uwadinachi Iweha, a former Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, as an example of the ongoing risks faced by doctors, who are increasingly being targeted by criminal elements.

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According to the communique, doctors are facing assaults, harassment, intimidation, and abduction despite their commitment to providing quality healthcare in challenging conditions and with poor motivation and remuneration.

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The NMA is calling on the Department of State Services, Inspector General of Police, and Commissioners of Police in Abia and Imo to intensify their efforts to secure Dr Aguocha's freedom and ensure his safe return.

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The association is also urging the governors of Abia and Imo to deploy all necessary resources and influence to secure Dr Aguocha's prompt release, and is appealing to the Federal and State Governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to join efforts to free the abducted physician.

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If the government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe, it could further erode the confidence of healthcare workers in the government's ability to guarantee their safety, potentially having a negative impact on healthcare delivery in the two states.