BY BETI ONU
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch, yesterday directed its members to withdraw their services in all private and public hospitals in the state with immediate effect.
The NMA said this in a statement issued and signed by Dr Princeton Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli at the end of its emergency general meeting.
The NMA said the directive followed the kidnap of their colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh who was kidnapped and has been in captivity since August 15. Recall that the doctors had on August 19 threatened to shut down operations if Ezeh was not freed from his abductors within 48 hours.
The association lamented that 48 hours after the ultimatum had elapsed and the appeal to the Anambra Government Ezeh was still languishing in the hands of his abductors despite 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 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.
The NMA commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and his Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike for their consistent, tireless and commitment towards improving healthcare delivery and security in the State.
The body also commended doctors for their resolve and commitment towards offering quality healthcare to the Anambra people.
