Anambra Doctors Embark on Indefinite Strike over Abduction of Colleague

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch has directed its members to withdraw their services in all private and public hospitals in the state with immediate effect.
The NMA Anambra branch disclosed this in a statement signed by Dr. Princeton Okam and Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, respectively, at the end of its Emergency General on Thursday evening.
The NMA said the directive followed the kidnap of their colleague, Dr. Stephen Ezeh, who was kidnapped and still being held in captivity since Aug. 15.
The doctors had on August. 19 threatened to shut down operations if Ezeh was not freed by his abductors within 48 hours.

The association said that 48-hours after the ultimatum had elapsed and the appeal to release Ezeh has not been met 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 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.

The  NMA commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, and his  Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike for their painstaking effort towards improving health care delivery and security in the State.

The body also commended doctors for their resolve and commitment  towards offering quality health care to Anambra people.