THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF TANZANIA
Muhimbili University Complex,
Ruvu Block – Ground Floor,
P.O. Box 701,
Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania
Tel.+255 22 2151835
Fax: +255 22 2153514
e-mail: info@mat-tz.org
website: www.mat-tz.org
07 July 2012
Ref: MAT/UN/SU/01
United Nations Resident Coordinator,
Tanzania Office,
Dar es Salaam.
RE: SECURITY THREATS TOWARDS MEDICAL DOCTORS IN TANZANIA
Following the ongoing and extended Doctor’s strike in Tanzania, security of some of the key actors has been compromised. The Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT) would like to express our fear to the United Nations Office and the International community, of the security risks and threats to Dr. Steven Ulimboka and other key leaders addressing the issue.
On 27th June 2012, MAT was informed that Dr. Ulimboka was illegally abducted with a heavily armed team in the presence of a President’s office official. Dr. Ulimboka has been a key person in leading a special committee assigned by doctors to negotiate with the government of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Dr. Ulimboka was found unconscious by good Samaritans in outskirts of Dar Es Salaam where he was bleeding excessively and was taken to Bunju Police Station. However, at the police station where he was being held, no efforts were made to offer medical help.
Human right activists intervened at Bunju police station and transported him to the Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI) for medical examination and treatment using a private company’s ambulance following Muhimbili National Hospital’s rejection to provide her ambulance. However, along the way, several attempts were made using a government vehicle with a private plate numbers (police officer was in that car) to block the ambulance during the transportation.
While admitted in the MOI there were several people identifying themselves as the Tanzania Police and military officers, who forced access to Intensive care Unit (ICU) where Dr. Ulimboka was receiving treatment. One of the police officers, who were appointed by the Tanzania Police Force as the leader of the case’s Investigation Team, ACP Msangi; when entered the ICU room, Dr. Ulimboka identified him as among the persons who were responsible for his abduction and torture. Members of MAT and other doctors instituted internal security measures to protect Dr. Ulimboka while at MOI-ICU.
In view of poor medical services available in the country, seriousness of his condition and security reasons, doctors decided to transfer Dr. Ulimboka to South Africa for intensified treatment. However, anonymous government sources have confirmed to MAT that a team of assassins has been deployed to South Africa to make sure Dr. Ulimboka doesn’t come home
In view of these questionable events, MAT as a professional body demands;
The United Nations ensures Dr. Ulimboka security at the Hospital he is receiving care.·
The United Nations should ensure security of other key actors·
The Tanzanian judicial system should be advised to refrain from being used for the political advantage.·
The Tanzanian Parliament ‘Bunge’ should be reminded of its constitutional duties to hold the government accountable for the deaths and suffering of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania resulting from the ongoing strike.·
We do welcome advice from experienced International actors on how we can mitigate the situation.·
Please kindly find attached DVD Video of the event as narrated by Dr. Ulimboka.
NOTE: Although MAT did not call for, nor does it condone the ongoing strike as per her constitution, it is MAT’s constitutional obligation to safeguard the rights of her members and doctors at large.
For Medical Association of Tanzania,
Yours faithfully
DR. NAMALA P. MKOPI + 255 652 458385
PRESIDENT, MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF TANZANIA
CC
Legal and Human Right Center·
SIKIKA Tanzania·
TGNP·
TAMWA·
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH·
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL·
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION FOR HMAN RIGHTS·
TANZANIA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS COALITION·
FRONTLINE DEFENDERS·
EAST AND HORN OF AFRICA HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS NETWORK.·
All correspondence to: the Hon. Secretary General, MAT.
No comments:
Post a Comment