FG should take up medical bills for hospitalised EndSARS protesters- CMA

By allcitynews.ng

The leadership of Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA) has expressed grave concern over reports of alleged shooting and killing of harmless and defendless EndSARS protesters just it called on Federal Government to take care and pay all the bills for those that in hospitals.

The President, Commonwealth Medical Association; Chief Consultant Family Physician (CMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, in a statement not only condemned the act but expressed sadness that ambulances were prevented from rescued mission of injured.

“CMA expressed grave concern over reports of callous assault and murder of defenseless civilian protesters, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at the Lekki Toll Plaza in Lagos State, Nigeria. This unfortunate incidence which took place in the course of a peaceful protest (code-named #ENDSARS) against police brutality and call for reforms of the Nigeria Police Force in various parts of Nigeria, was characterized by the firing of live bullets at the protesting civilians, with several deaths and fatal injuries recorded amongst the protesters.”

In addition Enabulele pointed out that “aside from these despicable acts which led to many casualties, the CMA viewed as most unfortunate and unacceptable, the prevention of ambulance services and medical care for the injured victims.

“While the Commonwealth Medical Association is not currently in a position to make a declarative statement on the pre-morbid state and motives of the elements behind this unholy assault and decimation of defenseless civilian protesters, the CMA deeply regrets the loss of lives and strongly condemns this unwarranted murder of civilian protesters and gross assault on their fundamental human and health rights.The CMA condoles the families of those murdered at the Lekki Toll gate and other parts of Nigeria, and prays for the repose of their souls.”

Further, the body notably said “the enormous human casualties and its implications for health and security, the CMA passionately calls on the Government of Nigeria to urgently calm the situation by arresting further intimidation, assaults and murder of the peaceful protesters, ensuring the arrest of criminals and hoodlums who are attacking peaceful demonstrators, and ensuring strict adherence to existing International treaties on fundamental human rights, and International treaties that govern the treatment of civilians, as enshrined in the Geneva Declaration of 1949.”

“CMA further urged Nigerian government to take up the medical care of injured victims, guarantee unfettered access to physicians and healthcare workers to care for injured victims, and to bring all the culprits who perpetrated the shameful act to quick justice, through transparent investigation and prosecution.

“CMA appreciates all physicians and healthcare workers who have so far offered to provide medical care to the injured victims, and urges the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association to sustain her leadership roles in ensuring full medical and psychological rehabilitation of the injured.”

In addition, CMA called on all parties to exercise restraint and embrace peaceful means, constructive and altruistic dialogue, laced with respect for the rule of law, respect for human and health rights, and the dignity of human lives.