NMA president: Over 48 doctors have been kidnapped in two years

Adedayo Faduyile, president of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has expressed concern over increasing rate of insecurity in the country.

At a press conference to mark the 2019 World Physicians’ week in Akure, Ondo state, on Tuesday, he said more than 48 medical doctors have been kidnapped in the last two years.

He said despite the hazardous nature of their jobs, doctors in the country were still facing challenges like “kidnapping, incessant harassment/assault by patients and their relations, unfortunate maltreatment by employers and poor salaries”.

Faduyile said this has contributed to many of them 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 police framework,”he said.

“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.”