By Chioma Obinna

Contrary to its earlier position to withdraw services in all Federal Government-owned hospitals should President Goodluck Jonathan fails to revert to N65.00 perlitre of fuel by today,(Friday 13th January), the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, says it will no longer withdraw its services in view of the casualties and deaths reported from various protest sites.

In a statement jointly signed by the National President of NMA, Dr Omede Idris and National Secretary, Dr Bala Audu, however, the medical doctors restated that NMA continues to align with the demands for the reversal of the pump price of fuel which was ill-timed.

“In view of casualties that have been reported from various protest sites including death, there is obvious need to continue rendering emergency services in our health facilities. The great loss of lives and economic losses arising from this peaceful protest is sad and unfortunate”.

Idris called on the Federal Government at the moment to forestall further loses in any form by reverting to the N65:00 per litre to allow for further discussions and negotiations.

His words: “We call on the Federal Government at this moment to forestall further loses in any form by reverting to the N65:00 per litre of fuel in line with therequest of NLC/TUC/Civil Society organizations, professional associationsincluding NBA and NMA; and the voices/intervention of the Senate and House of Representatives all on behalf of majority of Nigerians to allow for furtherdiscussions/negotiations.

Government should thus, reverse this action andprevent avoidable stress and strain on the good people of Nigeria”.