The leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Rivers State Branch, has met with the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju Adewole, to express concerns over the safety and security of medical doctors in the state.
The meeting, which held at the Police Command Headquarters, was led by the NMA Rivers State Chairman, Dr. Prof. Ureh Annabel Oparaodu.
The NMA delegation expressed deep concern over the recent disappearance and subsequent discovery of the body of Dr. Stephen Vanman.
The association also raised alarm over increasing incidents of assaults, threats, and killings of medical doctors in the line of duty, noting the potential impact on morale and effective healthcare delivery.
During the engagement, both parties discussed modalities for strengthening security around healthcare facilities and ensuring the safety of doctors and other healthcare workers, especially those in areas considered vulnerable to security threats.
The NMA leadership stressed the need for improved collaboration between the Association, the Police, hospital authorities, and other relevant stakeholders to prevent further attacks.
“These incidents are affecting the morale of doctors and the quality of healthcare services. We need proactive measures to protect our members while they serve the people,” the NMA Chairman stated.
CP Adepoju assured the NMA leadership that efforts are ongoing to investigate reported cases and ensure perpetrators of assaults and other criminal acts against doctors are identified and brought to book in accordance with the law.
He pledged the Command’s commitment to providing adequate security cover for hospitals and healthcare workers across the state.
Both parties described the meeting as a constructive platform for dialogue and agreed to sustain collaboration to create a safer working environment for doctors.
They resolved to work together to ensure that incidents of violence against healthcare professionals are promptly addressed and do not go unpunished.
