Starting Thursday night, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Anambra State has issued a directive for all its members to withdraw clinical services across private and public hospitals in the state. The move is in response to the kidnapping of their colleague, Dr. Stephen Ezeh, who has been held captive since August 15.
This directive was announced in a statement released in Awka by the NMA’s Anambra branch chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and the branch secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, following an emergency general meeting held on Thursday.
The statement emphasized that the withdrawal of services is a protest against the continued captivity of Dr. Ezeh, who has now been in the hands of his abductors for over a week. The NMA had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum on August 19, threatening to down tools if Dr. Ezeh was not released. However, despite the ultimatum and multiple appeals to the Anambra State government, there has been no progress in securing his release.
“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,” the statement declared.
The association also announced the formation of a ‘Strike Monitoring Team’ to ensure strict adherence to the directive. Hospitals and members found defying the strike order will be blacklisted and penalized in accordance with the resolutions passed during the congress.
The NMA called on the Anambra State government to activate all available security agencies and resources to secure the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Ezeh. While acknowledging the inconvenience this strike will cause to the people of Anambra, the association stressed the necessity of the action to draw attention to the urgent need for improved security for healthcare professionals in the state.
“However, we appeal to the state government to expedite action towards securing Dr. Ezeh’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 secured populace,” the statement added.
