Following an alarming series of kidnappings in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has adopted a strong stand to protect medical professionals through enhanced security measures.
On Wednesday, the chairman of the NMA FCT chapter, Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, called a congress to address these issues, and he urged his members to implement increased security measures.
The association's response follows the kidnapping and eventual release of Dr. Chammah McSampson, a prominent dental surgeon, highlighting the bigger problem of rising insecurity among healthcare providers. In a proactive move, the FCT NMA announced plans to develop and distribute guidelines to improve the security of medical doctors in the region.
This effort aims to develop a framework for prompt response following any future kidnappings, including notification of security agencies and a planned work stoppage by doctors 24 hours after any kidnapping incident if no significant progress is observed. This decision demonstrates the severity of the issue and the association's dedication to the protection of its members.
To reduce the possibility of targeted abductions, experts recommend avoiding late-night drives and changing how contacts are stored on mobile devices. Furthermore, the group has proposed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration Hospital Management Board (FCTA HMB) take into consideration doctors' house proximity to hospitals to reduce risks associated with long trips to work.
Recognizing the complexities of security concerns, the NMA FCT seeks to engage with some stakeholders, including professional organizations, security agencies, and the general public. This collaborative approach aims to draw attention to the FCT's severe security situation, and investigate feasible alternatives.
The NMA FCT is preparing to meet with the Director General of the Department of State Security and other relevant agencies, signaling a coordinated effort to confront and reduce the threat of insecurity in the capital.
