NMA condemns murder of Dr Akunyili

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed displeasure over the gruesome murder of one of its member, Dr Chike Akunyili.

Dr Chike who is the widower of late Prof Dora Akunyili, former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was murdered by unknown gunmen on Tuesday in Anambra State.

Reports gathered indicated that Dr Chike was on his way from the commemorative lecture in honour of his late wife, Dora when the unfortunate incident took place.

The NMA in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Aniekeme Uwah however in strong terms condemned the attack stating that it is a big blow to the profession especially now that the health sector is seriously experiencing unprecedented brain drain.

The statement read in part ” While the association awaits an official statement on investigations being conducted on the incidence by relevant security agencies, reports gathered from various news media indicate that this tragic incidence occurred while the victim was on his way from the commemorative lecture in honour of his late wife,Dora.

“The death of this highly skilled professional at a time the country’s health care delivery system is bleeding due to the dearth of Medical Doctors and other health care workers as a result of the unprecedented brain drain currently facing the country is a cause for deep concern.

“This condemnable incidence at a moment when the the country’s abysmally low Doctor: Patient ratio of 1: 6000 as against the WHO’s recommended 1: 600 is an indication of our misplaced value system as a people where human lives are not valued anymore.

“Furthermore, the association seriously frowns at the incessant loss of lives by Nigerians due to the worsening insecurity in various parts of the country, which also has untoward effects on the health care delivery system.

“The death of Dr Chike J. Akunyili is indeed one death too many and we therefore call on the Federal and State governments in Nigeria to live up to their core constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

“We also urge the security agencies to do everything humanly possible to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

“May God grant us, the family and indeed all Nigerians the fortitude to bear this very painful and irreparable loss. Amen”.