Doctors union decries medics’ killing, gives State authorities 72-hour ultimatum

South Sudan Doctors Union (SSDU) has issued an ultimatum of 72-hours urging state authorities to investigate and charge criminals who have targeted the medics in the latest wave of attacks, failure to which it will call for a strike.

The union condemned the brutal killing of a doctor in Unity State on Friday, May 21, saying a time had come for both state and national government to address the safety of medics.

‘‘The SSDU and its entire membership are giving a 72-hour ultimatum to State authorities to investigate the killings and bring culprits before a competent court of law.

‘‘If nothing happens within this period, all doctors and allied professionals are prepared to lay down their tools and go on strike to demand for justice and protection of health workers,’’ the SSDU said in a statement.

It went on to say: ‘‘The SSDU further calls on the presidency to intervene by holding accountable any state authorities who violate the rights of health workers, and urge the government to enact laws that protect the life of healthcare workers in the country.’’

Dr Edward Louis Saleh, a medical who worked in Ganyiel PHCC under the IRC, was killed on Thursday in the compound in Ganyiel. His brutal murder comes barely a week after the shooting of a Ugandan nurse in Torit. Amono Clara was shot while on the road while heading to Torit Hospital.

Beside these are a number of attacks in Lakes State, Ruweng, Northern Bahr e Ghazal and Western Bahr el Ghazal where hundreds of humanitarian workers were targeted.

Consequently, SSDU has revealed that it is in contact with health organisations and NGOs to plan a boycott formula to withdraw health personnel from hostile communities till a proper return to work agreement is struck.