The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch, has directed its members to withdraw clinical services in all private and public hospitals with effect from the night of Thursday, August 22, 2024.
The directive was contained in a statement issued in Awka by the branch chairman and secretary, Princeton Okam and Ifeanyi Obiaeli, at the end of the association’s emergency general meeting.
The statement said the directive was to protest the kidnap of their colleague, Stephen Ezeh, who has been in the kidnappers’ den since August 15, 2024.
The association had on August 19, 2024, threatened to down tools, if Ezeh was not released by his abductors within 48 hours.
NMA had stated that 48 hours after the ultimatum had elapsed, in addition to its appeal to the state government, Ezeh was still held by his abductors, despite being in critical health condition.
The statement read in part: “NMA Anambra 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 the congress resolutions.
“That Anambra Government should activate all necessary security agencies and instruments at its disposal to ensure ‘’timely and unconditional release of our abducted member.
“NMA 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 Eze’s release so as to restore normalcy to the health system.
“NMA Anambra leadership will continue to work together with all relevant government agencies to collectively achieve a healthy and secured populace.”
The body lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, for their painstaking efforts towards improving healthcare delivery and security in the state.
It also commended doctors for their resolve and commitment to offering quality health care to the Anambra people.
