Doctors in Nigeria have made a bold move that is now the focus of national attention.
This situation could have serious effects on healthcare services and points to the deeper issues behind this crucial decision.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) began a nationwide 7-day warning strike on Monday, August 26, 2024.
This strike is in response to the prolonged abduction of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.
The strike started at 12 am, following an emergency meeting held by NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC). Dr. Dele Abdullahi, President of NARD, announced that the strike is a direct response to the kidnapping of Dr. Popoola, who has been held captive for eight months.
Dr. Abdullahi emphasised the seriousness of the situation.
He stated that the strike would be total, with no exceptions made for emergency care during this period. The decision reflects the desperation within the medical community to secure the release of Dr. Popoola and her nephew.
Background On Doctors Strike
Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was abducted on December 27, 2023.
She was kidnapped along with her husband and nephew during a raid on the hospital’s staff quarters by armed bandits.
Her husband was released in March due to his deteriorating health, but Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
This has raised serious concerns within the medical community.
Dr. Popoola, a breastfeeding mother, has been the focus of widespread anxiety, especially regarding her well-being.
The situation has caused significant unrest among healthcare professionals. Members of NARD have taken to the streets in protest.
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On August 15, 2024, resident doctors at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta in Lagos, organised a demonstration to demand her release.
This protest highlighted the growing frustration and fear among medical practitioners over the ongoing security challenges.
A peaceful protest was also held at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, led by Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Okpanaki, President of the Centre’s NARD branch.
The protesters urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Dr. Popoola and her nephew.
Dr. Okpanaki warned that if their colleague is not released soon, NARD would have no choice but to embark on a nationwide strike, as the safety of healthcare professionals cannot be guaranteed.
Kidnapping of Medical Students
The Nigerian police recently freed twenty medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.
These students were kidnapped on August 15, 2024, while traveling to Enugu for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students’ annual convention.
The police rescued the students in Benue State, killed a notorious kidnapper, and arrested two suspects. The students have since been safely handed over to their vice-chancellors.
On the same day, Dr. Stephen Ezeh was kidnapped in Ihiaha, Anambra State. In response, the Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) issued a two-day ultimatum and later declared an indefinite withdrawal of all clinical services in public and private hospitals across the state until Dr. Ezeh was released.
However, Dr. Ezeh was released on Saturday, August 24, leading the NMA to call off the strike. The NMA then directed its members to resume clinical services at their various establishments on Sunday, bringing some normalcy back to healthcare services in the state.
Implications Of Doctors Going On Strike
The strike is a critical moment for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Resident doctors play a crucial role in providing medical care across the nation.
Their absence for a week is expected to strain the already overstretched healthcare system.
This situation highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing security crisis that has directly impacted the medical community.
NARD’s decision to strike is seen as a necessary step to draw attention to the plight of their colleague.
They demand action from the government and security agencies.
The outcome of this strike could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future, as the medical community and the nation closely watch for any developments regarding Dr. Popoola’s release.
