*Victim Alive, Should Be Rescued, Says NARD President
RESIDENT doctors across the country, under the aegis of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), on Monday, August 26, began a nationwide strike over the abduction of its members, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was kidnapped about eight months ago and has remained in captivity.
This was just as the President of the Association, Dr. Dele Olaitan Abdullahi, confirmed that Popoola was still alive, adding, however, that her health condition was bad and urging the Federal Government to intervene and rescue her.
Members of the association at almost all the tertiary health institutions joined the strike, thereby adversely impact on smooth health care delivery across the country.
Abdullahi lamented: “Our negotiator is trying his best for us. Few hours ago, we heard her voice on tape, pleading for her release. The tone of the voice suggests that her health condition is not good.
“Government should take over this negotiation and let our colleague regain her freedom. It is going to about eight months now. We are not happy with this development.”
On the strike, he stated that it would be suspended if Popoola was released, adding: “If she regains her freedom now, we will react promptly by suspending the strike. We have no pleasure going on strike; we are trained to save lives and are aware of the Hippocratic Oath that we took.”
