The threat of withdrawal of service by members of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Delta State Chapter has been amicably resolved in peace move initiated by the Delta State Government.
The row was caused by the manhandling of a medical doctor, Raphael Onyemekehia who was forced to swim in a pool of muddy water at Airport Junction, Effurun on his way to work.
According to a press statement signed by Donald Ojebo, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye said, “following a tripartite meeting comprising officials of the State Government, Nigeria Medical Association, Delta State Chapter and the Army, the matter has been put to rest and the earlier threat of strike action by the Association shelved.
“The truce was achieved after the military representatives expressed regrets over the actions of the erring army officers, apologized to the doctors and gave assurance that the unfortunate incident will not repeat itself”, the commissioner added.
It would be recalled that on Saturday, October 24, 2020, Dr. Raphael Onyemekehia, a Consultant Physician at the Central Hospital Warri, was reportedly assaulted by a team of army personnel at Airport junction, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area while on his way to work. Dr Raphael had properly identified himself, but was still manhandled by the military personnel on the ground that he was in breach of the curfew imposed in the state by the government.
The medical doctors in the state had threatened to withdraw their services on account of the assault on the doctor, until apology is received from the military, and a congenial atmosphere emplaced for medical personnel to carry out their services.
The press statement “called on all health workers to always carry with them, valid means of identification and cooperate with the security personnel. Members of the general public have been called upon to comply with the curfew and any other extant security instructions in force”.