Anambra Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Following Colleague’s Abduction

Anambra Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Following Colleague’s Abduction
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The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch, has instructed all its members to halt services in both private and public hospitals across the state immediately, in response to the abduction of their colleague, Dr. Stephen Ezeh.

Dr. Ezeh was kidnapped on August 15, 2024, in Ihiala and has remained in captivity since.

This decision was announced by the association’s Chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, in a statement following an emergency general meeting on Thursday, August 22.

The doctors had previously warned on August 19 that they would cease operations throughout the state if Dr. Ezeh was not released within 48 hours. They expressed disappointment that despite the ultimatum and their appeal to the state government, Dr. Ezeh, who has health challenges, remains in the hands of his kidnappers.

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

It also mentioned that the NMA would closely monitor compliance through its “Strike Monitoring Team” and that any hospitals or members not adhering to the directive would be blacklisted and penalized according to the congress resolutions.

The association urged the Anambra State government to engage all available security agencies and resources to ensure the “timely and unconditional” release of Dr. Ezeh. They acknowledged the inconvenience this service withdrawal would cause the people of Anambra but emphasized the need for swift action to secure their colleague’s release to restore normal healthcare services.

The NMA also assured continued collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure the health and security of the populace.

The association commended the efforts of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, in improving healthcare delivery and security in Anambra State. They also praised their members for their dedication to providing quality healthcare to the people of Anambra.