The Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Anambra Branch, has ordered its members to cease clinical services in both private and public hospitals starting Thursday night.
This decision was announced in a statement from the branch chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and the secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, following an emergency general meeting on Thursday.
The action is in response to the ongoing kidnapping of Dr. Stephen Ezeh, who has been in captivity since August 15.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that the NMA had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum on August 19 for Ezeh’s release, threatening to halt services if their colleague was not freed.
Despite the ultimatum passing and appeals to the state government, Dr. Ezeh remains in captivity, exacerbating concerns due to his 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 the 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 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 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 secure populace.”
The body lauded Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, for their painstaking efforts towards improving healthcare delivery and security in the state.
It also commended doctors for their resolve and commitment towards offering quality health care to Anambra people.
(allnews.ng)
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