The Enugu chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) says more than 10 doctors were victims of kidnapping and other violent crimes within two months in the state.

In a communiqué issued on Friday, at the end of an emergency general meeting (EGM), the NMA said the situation has become dangerous and worrisome.

The association said it observed that there is minimal or zero presence of security personnel in most public hospitals.

It said the porous security arrangement had emboldened criminals to operate with ease, and in the process maiming healthcare workers and fellow citizens.

“The EGM further observed that the rising insecurity in the state is becoming an added burden to the already-stretched healthcare facilities available in Enugu State,” the communique reads.

“And the safety of our patriotic doctors, who should care for the victims of these violent crimes, is no longer guaranteed which is very worrisome.

“The EGM, while noting the efforts and commitment of the State Government in the area of security infrastructure, observed the gross inadequacy of the necessary security architecture and installations required to safeguard a vast and strategic state like Enugu with its peculiarity as the capital of the old Eastern Region of Nigeria.”

INDUSTRIAL ACTION IF PROGRESS NOT MADE

The NMA resolved to call on the Enugu state government to, as a matter of urgency, ensure that all public hospitals are well and heavily guarded by armed security personnel.

The association also said the government should ensure the beefing up of the presence and operations of armed security patrol teams across the state.

“The EGM unanimously resolved to request the State Government to, as a matter of utmost priority, rejig and totally revamp the current security architecture of the state,” the communique reads.

“The rejigging should be done through adequate funding for security, installations of modern technologies and security gadgets among other innovative security measures that would speedily help bring this ugly situation to a halt.

“The EGM also resolved to call on all the security agencies in the State to live up to their billings/obligations, scale up operations and ensure that the current trend is radically aborted and culprits brought to justice.”

The association also resolved to charge all health institutions in the state to commence security committee meetings.

“The EGM finally resolved to notify the State Government and all other relevant authorities in the State that the Association will closely monitor the trend and implementation of these resolutions,” the communique reads.

“These include the earlier advanced protest letters and we may not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the entire Health sector of the State if reasonable progress is not made in good time.”

By Jesupelumi Are

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