Our Correspondent|19 July 2019
The Nigerian Medical Association in Cross River has embarked on an indefinite strike over the kidnapping of their member, Dr Inyama Marcus on July 18, 2019 in Akpabuyo local government area of the state.
The notice of the strike is contained in a release jointly signed by the State Chairman of NMA, Dr Agam Ayuk and the Secretary, Dr Ezoke Epoke on Friday in Calabar.
The release stated that Marcus is a Consultant Haematologist in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
"The unfortunate incidence took place on the 18 of July 2019 around 7pm while he was driving back home from his church meeting with his family at Ikot Effio in Akpabuyo local government area.
"This undoubtedly has brought psychological trauma and emotional destabilisation to members of his family and NMA in Cross River.
"You would recalled that recurring incidences of kidnap of doctors and their dependents necessitated a communique from an emergency general meeting of the association held in January 2018.
"It was resolved that NMA will henceforth withdraw all medical services without any notice anytime a doctor or dependents are taken captive in future.
"NMA Cross River has proceeded on a total indefinite strike in both private, public and institutional hospitals in the state," the release said.
The release highlighted the affected hospitals to include the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, General Hospitals, Medical Centres, Mission Hospitals and private clinics with immediate effect.
According to the release, the total and indefinite action will continue until the victim is released safely and unconditionally.
"NMA is not unmindful of the impact of a strike action on the good people of the state; however, we cannot continue to save lives while ours is under constant threat by armed bandits and kidnappers.
