The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State Chapter yesterday said it could not continue to save lives when the lives of its members are threatened.

The NMA reached this resolution in Calabar after its emergency general meeting to deliberate on the continued hostage of Dr. Ekanem Ephraim, a Professor of Neurology, by kidnappers.
Dr Ephraim was abducted on July 13 at her residence in Calabar by armed men who pretended to be patients seeking medical attention.

Following the incident, the NMA in the state convened an emergency meeting on July 15, and immediately withdrew its services in all medical facilities across the state.

In a communique by its chairman, Dr. Felix Archibong, the association said it was not unmindful of the impact of its withdrawing medical services on the people.
It maintained that it could not continue to ensure that citizens are alive and well when doctors’ lives are under constant threats by armed bandits and kidnappers.

The NMA said the withdrawal of medical services embarked upon by its Cross River State chapter would be sustained until its member was released.

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They said: “NMA-Cross River State demands in clear terms, proof of life of our member, Prof Ephraim, who is still in captivity, within the next 24 hours.

“That our renowned member be released, either dead or alive, and if in any eventuality of her not being alive anymore, the State Government must accord her a befitting burial.”

The association passed a vote of no confidence on the state Commissioner of Police, Gyogen Grima and demanded in strong terms the visibility of the crack team of the Inspector General of Police said to be in the state.

More than 10 medical practitioners have been kidnapped in Cross River State in the last five years.