NMA THREATENS TO CLOSE ANAMBRA HOSPITALS OVER KIDNAP OF COLLEAGUE

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The Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to shut down hospitals across the state if Dr. Steven Ezeh, a private medical practitioner kidnapped in Ihiala, is not released immediately.

Dr. Ezeh was abducted on August 15 from his home in Umunnamehi Village, Ihiala local government area. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N40 million, which they later reduced to N30 million on Sunday.

During an emergency general meeting on Monday, the NMA gave a 48-hour ultimatum for Ezeh’s release, warning that they would withdraw their services statewide if their demand was not met.

In a communique signed by Dr. Princeston Okam, the chairman, and Dr. Obiageli Ifeanyi, the secretary, the association condemned the increasing rate of kidnappings and insecurity in the state and urged the government and security agencies to take swift action.

The communique read: “Our colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh, was kidnapped in front of his residence at Umunnamehi Village Ihiala on Thursday, Aug  15, 2024.

“⁠Dr Eze is a private medical practitioner and Managing Director of Vera Clinic, Ihiala.

“A 48 hour ultimatum is hereby given to the Anambra State government  to secure the immediate release of Dr Ezeh

“If, at the expiration of the above timeline and our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra State under the aegis of NMA-Anambra will down tools until he is released.

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“⁠Another emergency meeting will be convened within the next 48 hours to review the progress made so far.”

While appreciating Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the effort of his administration towards repositioning the health sector, NMA appealed that urgent measures be put in place to tackle the menace of insecurity and other challenges in the state.

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