Anambra Doctors begin strike until kidnapped colleague is released

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch, has instructed its members to cease clinical services in all private and public hospitals starting Thursday night.

This decision was announced in a statement released in Awka by the branch chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and the secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, following an emergency general meeting on Thursday.

The directive is in response to the kidnapping of their colleague, Dr. Stephen Ezeh, who has been held captive since August 15.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NMA had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum on August 19, threatening to strike if Ezeh was not released by his abductors. Despite this deadline and appeals to the state government, Ezeh remains in captivity, even though he has a health condition.

The statement reads: “NMA Anambra hereby directs all doctors in the state to immediately withdraw clinical services in all federal, state, private, mission, institutional, and corporate hospitals until our member is released.

“NMA Anambra will closely monitor compliance with this directive through its ‘Strike Monitoring Team,’ and any hospitals or members found in violation will be blacklisted and penalized in accordance with congress resolutions.

“We urge the Anambra Government to activate all necessary security agencies and resources to ensure the timely and unconditional release of our abducted member.

“We acknowledge the hardship this withdrawal of services will cause the people of Anambra, but we appeal to the state government to expedite efforts to secure Ezeh’s release and restore normalcy to the healthcare system.

“NMA Anambra leadership will continue collaborating with relevant government agencies to achieve a healthy and secure populace.”

The association also praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for their efforts to improve healthcare and security in the state. Additionally, it commended doctors for their commitment to providing quality healthcare to the people of Anambra. (NAN)