The Anambra branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has directed members to withdraw clinical services in all private and public hospitals with effect from Thursday night.
Princeston Okam and Ifeanyi Obiageli, the association’s chairman and secretary respectively, gave the directive on Thursday at the end of an emergency general meeting.
Stephen Ezeh, a medical practitioner, has been in captivity since August 15.
On August 19, the association threatened to down tools if Ezeh was not released by his abductors within 48 hours.
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“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 reads.
“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 and penalised, in line with the congress resolutions.
“That Anambra Government should activate all necessary security agencies and instruments at its disposal to ensure timely and unconditional release of our abducted member.
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“NMA 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 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.”
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