Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch, has embarked on an indefinite strike over insecurity in the state.
In a statement signed by Dr Princeton Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli, at the end of an Emergency General on Thursday, NMA said the directive followed the kidnap of their colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh, who was kidnapped and still being held in captivity since August 15, 2024.
The doctors had on August 19 threatened to shut down operations if Ezeh was not freed from his abductors within 48 hours.
The association said 48-hours after the ultimatum had elapsed and the appeal to the Anambra Government, Ezeh was still languishing in the hands of his abductors in spite his health challenges.
“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/ penalised in line with Congress resolutions.
“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 of 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,” it said.
