The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has decried the delays of FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike in meeting with her leadership especially during this difficult period of insecurity despite several attempts.

The Chairman, NMA-FCT, Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, at a press briefing in Abuja, also highlighted the necessary involvement of private individuals, professional associations, religious organisations and the like in assisting security agencies to curb the menace of insecurity in the FCT and Nigeria in general.

He said Congress deliberated extensively on the abduction of Dr. Chammah McSampson, a dental Surgeon with Smile Dental Clinic, along Airport Road, on Sunday 10^th March 2024 at about 8 pm, on his way home from work.

“NMA FCT Congress appreciated the roles played by the various agencies leading to his eventual release on Thursday the 14^th day of March 2024.” He said.

While speaking further, Ugwuanyi, also said that the association congress noted with deep concern the security situation in FCT which has posed an existential threat to the safety of her members who often are on the road late hours to meet up with duty calls.

He, therefore, disclosed that the NMA-FCT has resolved as a matter of urgency, to develop and publish a guideline to have a working document in the event of the kidnap of any doctor in the FCT which should include informing the appropriate security agencies and thereafter downing tool after 24 hours if no satisfactory actions or noticeable progress by the Security Agencies.

“EGM advised that her members should be more security conscious by adopting measures that will make them less targeted by kidnappers and other criminals and should endeavour to go home before nightfall, change the way they store other doctors’ names on their phones to avoid unnecessary attention, i.e. instead of adding the prefix “Dr” to the names, such names should be coded.

“Also, to avoid placing objects or stickers that would easily make them identifiable as doctors to avoid undue attention. Items such as Ward coats, Stethoscopes, and other clinical paraphernalia should not be displayed conspicuously in their cars.”

“NMA FCT should organise a press conference without delay to sensitise on the insecurity challenges faced by doctors and other individuals; to let the public know about the attempt to see the Hon Minister of FCT and the poor treatment meted out to NMA FCT Council members during their attempt to see him following the kidnap of our member. But the Association should liaise with the FCT state Minister to facilitate the visit to the Hon Minister of FCT.

“This is so to accord her the necessary respect she deserves as a colleague. If that fails within the set time (72 hours), the Association should proceed with press conference as earlier stated.

“The Association should register her displeasure with the FCT Minister of state, who is a doctor, on the issue of Barr Wike’s attitude towards NMA FCT Council.”

“NMA FCT should appeal to FCTA HMB to ensure appropriate posting of her doctors to areas close to where they reside instead of the current posting method that doesn’t take into account how far the doctors stay from the hospital, to prevent security risk.”

“NMA FCT should liaise with other professional Bodies and Associations to draw attention to the state of the security challenges currently bedevilling the FCT and also work with them to find solutions to the current national situation.”

“NMA FCT EXCO should visit the DG of DSS and/or the state director of FCT command to register the Association’s gratitude on the release of her member. And also to know why the DSS operative left Dr Chammah’s sister at such a critical hour to go pick up Dr Chammah alone after he was released.” (Nigerian Tribune)

•Chairman, NMA-FCT, Dr Charles UUgwuanyi (C) and other stakeholders of the association at a press briefing in Abuja

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