NMA confirms death of six Ekiti delegates in auto crash

• Health minister, Fayose, association, health workers mourn
• Declare three-day, one-week mourning
• Medical body to develop blueprint on ailing health sector

The apex body of all medical doctors in Nigeria, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has confirmed the death of six of its members from Ekiti State and the driver who went for the yearly general conference/delegates’ meeting (AGC/ADM) currently holding in Sokoto State. They were involved in a motor accident along Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

The NMA after an emergency meeting of its National Officers’ Committee (NOC) of the association held yesterday at the Giginya Coral Hotel, Sokoto, noted: “It is now confirmed that the Ekiti State delegates for the yearly general conference/delegates meeting (AGC/ADM) currently holding in Sokoto were involved in a fatal motor accident along Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.”

According to a statement by the NMA jointly signed by the President, Dr. Kayode Obembe; and Secretary General, Adewunmi Alayaki, other members of the delegates who survived the accident are in stable condition and are receiving medical attention under the auspices of the Chairman of the Kaduna State NMA and his team.

Besides, Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has described the death of the six medical doctors and one driver in the state a monumental loss not only to the people of Ekiti State but to Nigerians.

He declared a three-day mourning for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The governor, therefore, urged families, friends and professional colleagues of the deceased, especially members of the NMA, to take solace in God who giveth and taketh when it pleases Him.

Also, the Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has sent his condolences, describing the accident as sad and unfortunate.

A statement from the ministry read: “Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, commiserates with the President, National Executive Council and the entire membership of the NMA over the loss of the doctors.

Meanwhile, the NMA said election of national officers to pilot its affairs in the next two years would take place during the meeting.

In a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Kayode Obembe and National Secretary, Dr. Adewunmi Alayaki, said: “The main highlight of the event will be the election of new national officers who will pilot the affairs of the association for the next two years.”

In another development, health workers in hospitals in Ekiti State yesterday withheld their services to mourn the death of the doctors and a driver.

While the doctors wept uncontrollably, some nurses worn mournful looks as they refused to be consoled.

The sad development had forced the doctors, nurses and other members of staff of FETHI to troop out as early as 7:00 a.m. and locked the main gate of the hospital in protest, which caused serious panic to the patients and intending visitors.