Victor Ezeja
Medical doctors under the umbrella of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Anambra State have withdrawn their services in all public and private hospitals in protest against the abduction of one of their colleagues in the state.
The industrial action, which took effect on Thursday night, followed an emergency general meeting of NMA.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDr Stephen Ezeh was reportedly kidnapped at his residence in Ihiala Local Government Area on 15th August.
NMA had on Monday, 19th August given a 48-hour ultimatum for Dr Ezeh to be released.
Following the expiration of the ultimatum with nothing done yet, NMA issued an order directing all its members across the state to down tools in protest.
READ ALSO: Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike
“NMA Anambra hereby directs all doctors in the state to immediately withdraw clinical services in all federal, state, private, mission, institutional, and corporate hospitals until our member is released,” part of a statement issued in Akwa by the NMA branch chairman and secretary, Princeston Okam and Ifeanyi Obiaeli said.
The group, urged the Anambra State government to deploy all necessary security measures to secure the release of the medical doctor.
Anambra NMA urged members to comply with strike order, threatening to penalise any member who fails to comply.
While commending the Sate Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the Health Commissioner, Afam Obidike, for their efforts to improve healthcare delivery and security in Anambra, NMA assured that it will continue to collaborate with all relevant government agencies to achieve a healthy and secure community.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
