Doctors in Nigeria have embarked on an indefinite strike over the abduction of their colleagues by armed groups. The strike, which began on Tuesday, affects medical services in several states, including Benue, where a neurologist was kidnapped last week.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said the strike was a show of solidarity with the abducted doctors and a call for improved security in the country. The NMA also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the kidnapped doctors and the payment of ransom if any.
According to the NMA, at least 48 doctors have been abducted in Nigeria since 2017, and some of them have been killed or injured by their captors. The NMA said the abduction of doctors was not only a threat to their lives, but also a disruption to the health care system and a violation of their human rights.
The strike has affected both public and private hospitals, as well as clinics and diagnostic centers. Patients who had scheduled appointments or surgeries have been left stranded or referred to other facilities. Emergency services have been exempted from the strike, but they are expected to be overwhelmed by the increased demand.
The government has condemned the abduction of doctors and urged them to call off the strike. The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the government was working with the security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted doctors and the prevention of further attacks. He also appealed to the doctors to consider the plight of the patients and resume their duties.
The NMA, however, said the strike would continue until their demands were met. The NMA said it was not satisfied with the government’s response and accused it of neglecting the welfare and safety of doctors. The NMA said it was ready to dialogue with the government, but only after the abducted doctors were freed.
The strike by doctors in Nigeria is part of a wider crisis in the health sector, which has been plagued by low funding, poor infrastructure, inadequate equipment, and brain drain. The NMA said many doctors were leaving the country for better opportunities abroad due to the harsh working conditions and low remuneration in Nigeria.
The NMA said it was committed to improving the quality of health care in Nigeria, but it needed the government’s support and cooperation. The NMA urged the government to address the challenges facing the health sector and ensure the protection of doctors and other health workers.
