Medical Women Association of Nigerian, MWAN, has condemned the kidnapped of medical doctors and health workers as worrisome, calling for an unconditional release of those in custody. MWAN cried that they are being overworked, underpaid and overlooked, adding that the rights of medical personnel in the nation are not just being violated, but that the health sector is being desecrated......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
The body condemned the kidnap of the 25 medical students who were kidnapped around Benue State and others, calling for their unconditional release.
Speaking in Port Harcourt yesterday, the National President of MWAN, Prof. Rosemary Ogu, said kidnap of medical doctors and students is not just unacceptable, but unbearable, noting that Kidnap of health workers is a great injustice and undermines services they deliver to the nation.
Ogu, who read from a statement she signed jointly with the Coordinator of the body, Dr Vetty Agala, called on the Federal Government, President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police and other heads of security to take decisive action to secure the release of the 25 medical students abducted in Benue State.
She said: “We gather here today with heavy hearts, under the shadow of an ongoing crisis that has shaken the very core of our medical community. It is with deep concern and a profound sense of responsibility that I address you on behalf of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
“In recent months and weeks, we have witnessed the harrowing abduction of our esteemed colleagues, Dr. Ekanem Philips, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, and now, tragically, even medical students and a house officer have been taken hostage by kidnappers. This is not just a violation of their rights, but an affront to the entire medical profession and indeed, the nation at large.
“These are women and men who have dedicated their lives to the service of humanity. They have spent countless hours in hospitals, clinics, and communities, providing care, comfort, and healing to those in need. And now, they are in need of our voices, our support, and most importantly, our action.
“This situation is not only unacceptable; it is unbearable. The sanctity of human life and the safety of our healthcare workers must be upheld at all costs. The kidnapping of healthcare professionals is a grave injustice, and it undermines the essential role they play in society.We cannot, and will not, stand by in silence while our colleagues are subjected to such terror.”
Ogu cried that medical doctors are under paid, over looked and now undermined calling for global actions to prevent kidnap action against medical and health personnel from happening again.
“We call on the Federal Government, state governments, and all relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to secure the safe release of our colleagues. We demand that every resource be mobilized, every effort be made, and every avenue be explored to bring them back home safely.
“We also implore the government to address the underlying security issues that have made such heinous acts possible. The safety of all Nigerians, particularly those who serve in critical sectors like healthcare, must be prioritized. We are overworked, underpaid and now overlooked! We can no longer tolerate a situation where doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals live in constant fear for their lives.
“To the families of Dr. Ekanem Philips, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, the 25 medical students, and the house officer, our thoughts, prayers, and support are with you. We stand with you, and we will not rest until they are back in your arms, safe and sound.”