The NIMSA Health Week tagged ‘The Paradise Experience’ and 2nd NEC meeting was slated to hold from the 22nd to the 25th of June, 2023 in Calabar, Cross River state with the Calabar University Medical Students’ Association (CUMSA) as host. The week included events such as variety night, medical conference, medical outreach, city tour, pool party and lastly the dinner and awards night which was to hold yesterday, the 24th of June.
Due to the location for the health week being in the east, medical students from other regions have to plan adequately to attend. The cost of transportation and other factors such as examinations held UIMSAites from joining their colleagues in the events as opposed to the grand turnout in August last year at the South West Regional Convention during the ASUU strike tagged ‘The ABUAD experience’ in Afe Babalola University, Ekiti state.
The week had been going smoothly until it took an unfortunate turn on Saturday during the boat cruise at Marina resort. It was reported in a Press statement by the NIMSA president, Mr Ejim Egba Clement, that the boat capsized during the second trip with the second set of students after a successful first trip. Thankfully, 10 students and the driver were rescued by Naval officers. Unfortunately, 3 students are still missing. Those who were rescued have been taken to the hospital to receive medical attention while the search for our remaining colleagues is still on.
Several MSAs including UIMSA have sent out statements of solidarity and support to all affected as we collectively wait and pray for good news.
Osaretin Vanessa Ehiorobo
