On Thursday, the Nigeria Medical Association, Anambra State Branch, instructed its members to cease all services in both private and public hospitals throughout the state immediately.
This announcement was conveyed in a statement issued by Dr. Princeston Okam and Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, the Chairman and Secretary, respectively, following their emergency general meeting on Thursday.
The directive came in response to the abduction of their colleague, Dr. Stephen Ezeh, who was taken hostage on August 15 and remains in captivity.
It is worth noting that the doctors had previously warned on August 19 that they would halt all operations in the state if Ezeh was not released within 48 hours.
The association voiced frustration that, even 48 hours after the deadline and the plea to the state government, Ezeh remained in captivity despite his ongoing health issues.
The statement read in part, “NMA Anambra branch hereby directs all doctors in the state to forthwith withdraw clinical services in all federal, state, private, mission, institutional and corporate hospitals in the state until our member is released.
“That NMA Anambra will painstakingly monitor compliance with the above directive through her ‘Strike monitoring team’ and that defaulting hospitals and members will be blacklisted and penalised in line with congress resolutions.
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“That Anambra State government should activate all necessary security agencies and instruments at its disposal to ensure ‘timely and unconditional’ release of our abducted member.
“NMA Anambra State is not oblivious to the hardship this withdrawal of services will cause the good people of Anambra. However, we appeal to the State government to expedite action towards securing the release of our colleague so as to restore normalcy to the health system.
“NMA Anambra leadership will continue to brainstorm and work together with all relevant government agencies to collectively achieve a healthy and secured populace.”
The NMA praised the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the Health Commissioner, Dr. Afam Obidike, for their dedicated efforts to enhance healthcare services and security in the State.
The organization also lauded the doctors for their determination and dedication to providing high-quality healthcare to the people of Anambra.
