A demand has been made by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to the government for the urgent release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted seven months ago from the Senior Staff Quarters of the National Eye Centre, Kaduna. NARD has set a two-week ultimatum for the unconditional release of Dr. Popoola.
Failure to secure Dr. Popoola’s release within the specified period may lead to a disruption of industrial harmony, according to NARD.
This ultimatum was communicated in a communique issued following NARD’s National Executive Council meeting in Katsina on Tuesday.
The theme of the NEC meeting, which took place between July 22 and 27, 2024, was ‘The Nigerian economy and its impact on residency training: Challenges and opportunities for a robust healthcare system.’
The communique was signed by the President of the association, Dr. Dele Abdullahi; the Secretary-General, Dr. Christopher Anaduaka; and the Public and Social Secretary, Dr. John Egbe.
Reports indicate that the abduction of Dr. Popoola occurred on December 27, 2023, around 1 am in the Senior Staff Quarters at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna. She was taken alongside her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy.
While the husband was released on March 8, 2024, after negotiations with the kidnappers, Dr. Popoola and Abdul-Mugniy remain in captivity.
Since the incident, the abductors have periodically allowed family members to speak to the captives, with the latest contact occurring on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, to confirm their well-being.
Expressing concern over the situation, NARD urged the government to secure Dr. Popoola’s immediate release.
The association voiced distress over the prolonged captivity of Dr. Popoola and her nephew, emphasizing their deteriorating health during this period and the inadequate efforts by security authorities to address the issue.
NARD criticized the perceived lackluster response of the Kaduna State government towards the plight of their colleague and her nephew.
In addition to the rescue demand, NARD raised other grievances, including the casualization of doctors which jeopardizes their welfare, and the government’s delay in implementing the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure arrears update.
The association called for immediate actions, such as the adjustment of the minimum wage in line with the recent increase and a resolution of outstanding issues regarding salary increments from previous years.
Although acknowledging the government’s prompt payment of the 2024 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), NARD noted discrepancies in the distribution of funds to different centers and individuals.
The communique also highlighted the unresolved issues related to MRTF for 2023, 2022, and 2021, while appreciating a commitment from the Governor of Abia State to address salary arrears owed to ABSUTH staff.