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By Emmanuel Adeleke
Doctors in Cross River State have embarked on an indefinite strike action in solidarity with one of their members, Dr. Ekanem Ephraim, who was abducted on Thursday, July 13, from her residence in Calabar.
The state chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Felix Archibong, confirmed the development after an emergency general meeting in Calabar, on Sunday.
“To embark on a total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services effective immediately in solidarity with our member still in the hands of her abductors.
“This withdrawal of medical service will involve all hospitals in the state both federal, state, private and mission.
“The state government should activate all necessary instruments at its disposal to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our member in the hands of her abductors,” he said.
The doctors, who noted that despite all their efforts in ensuring the release of their colleague, Ephraim has remained in captivity.
Acrhibong added that the association was not oblivious of the hardship the withdrawal of services would have on the citizens, but he appealed to the relevant security agencies to ensure a timely release of the abducted member.
Ephraim, a medical practitioner with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), was kidnapped from her residence by armed men who pretended to be patients at about 7.30pm last Thursday.