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Doctors across Anambra State have withdrawn their services indefinitely following the abduction of their colleague, Dr. Stephen Ezeh, and what they describe as the government’s failure to address their growing concerns about security, poor remuneration, and a lack of essential medical equipment in hospitals.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch, directed its members to halt clinical services in all public and private healthcare facilities, including federal, state, mission, institutional, and corporate hospitals.
This directive follows an emergency meeting held on August 22, where it was decided that the strike would continue until Dr. Ezeh is released unconditionally.
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Dr. Ezeh was kidnapped on August 15, 2024, in Ihiala and remains in captivity, prompting the doctors to take drastic action.
In spite of earlier threats to strike if the situation was not resolved within 48 hours, the government has not responded adequately, according to the NMA.
The association’s chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and its secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, expressed their disappointment in a statement, emphasizing that the safety of healthcare workers remains neglected.
“The NMA Anambra branch hereby directs all doctors in the state to forthwith withdraw clinical services until our member is released,” he said.
The doctors also cited long-standing grievances, including poor pay, inadequate security measures, and the lack of essential medical equipment.
The NMA further criticized the state government for not implementing impactful policies to improve the healthcare sector, despite previous promises.
While acknowledging the efforts of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Commissioner for Health Dr. Afam Obidike in improving healthcare delivery, the association maintained that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals.
