Members of the Nigeria Medical Association NMA, Anambra State Chapter have withdrawn clinical services in all private and public hospitals with effect from Thursday night.
The Doctors were protesting against the kidnap of their colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh, who had been in captivity since August 15.
This followed an order as contained in a statement issued in Awka by the branch Chairman and the Secretary, Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Ifeanyi Obiaeli, respectively, at the end of the association’s Emergency General Meeting on Thursday.
According to the association the 48 hours after the ultimatum issued on August 19 had elapsed and Ezeh was still held by his abductors, despite his health challenge.
Part of the statement read: “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 penalized, 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 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 commended doctors for their resolve and commitment to offering quality health care to the Anambra people.
It also commended Governor Charles Soludo and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for their efforts toward improving healthcare delivery and security in the state.
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