The kidnapped Medical doctor in Anambra State, Dr. Stephen Ezeh , is yet to be released by his abductors nine days ago by hoodlums.
As a result, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in the state, has declared an indefinite strike.
The strike, according to the leadership, is in all private and public hospitals, after the ultimatum given to the state government and security agencies expired.
This was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Princeston Okam and Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, Chairman and Secretary of the NMA in the state, and made available to reporters in Awka.
The statement said, “The NMA Anambra hereby directs all doctors in the state to forthwith withdraw clinical services in all the federal, state, private, mission, institutional, and corporate hospitals in the state until our member is released.
“That the 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 the 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.
“The 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.
“The 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 body, however, commended the governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, for their painstaking effort towards improving healthcare delivery and security in the state.
The body also commended doctors for their resolve, and commitment towards offering quality health care to Anambra people.