The Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called off its indefinite strike following the release of Dr. Stephen Ezeh, an Ihiala-based medical doctor who was kidnapped, News About Nigeria reports.
The decision to end the strike was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by Dr. Princeston Okam, Chairman of the NMA Anambra Chapter, and Dr. Ifeanyi Obiaeli, the association’s secretary.
Dr. Ezeh was released on Saturday, prompting the NMA to direct its members to resume clinical services at their various establishments starting on Sunday morning, August 25, 2024.
The NMA also appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to declare a state of emergency on security in Anambra, citing the increasing incidents of kidnapping and general insecurity that are severely affecting the state’s economy and healthcare delivery.
“The total and indefinite strike action called by NMA Anambra Branch to protest the kidnap of our member, Dr. Stephen Ezeh, is hereby called off following his release. Clinical services resume at 08:00 hours on Sunday, August 25th, 2024. We appreciate the good people of Anambra for bearing with us through these trying times, and we earnestly pray that such tribulations will not arise again,” the statement read.
The association expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to securing Dr. Ezeh’s release and urged their colleagues to remain steadfast in their commitment to providing healthcare services to the people of Anambra.
The NMA also called on the public, security agencies, professional bodies, and corporate organisations to collaborate with the government to ensure a peaceful, secure, and healthy Anambra.
Dr. Ezeh was kidnapped on August 15, 2024, leading the NMA to issue a 48-hour ultimatum, after which they commenced the indefinite strike on August 22.
