2 months ago
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Members of the Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra State Branch have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of one of their members, Dr Steven Ezeh, who was kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified persons.
Ezeh, a private practitioner in Ihiala Locsl Government Area, was said to have been abducted at his residence in Umunnamehi Village, Ihiala, Ihiala LG on August 15.
The NMA, which met in an emergency general meeting on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the release of Ezeh or they withdraw their services across the state afterwards.
In a communique signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the body’s Chairman and Secretary respectively, the group condemned the rising spate of kidnappings and insecurity in the state and called on the government and security agencies to arrest the situation.
The doctors said, “Our colleague, Dr Stephen Ezeh, was kidnapped in front of his residence at Umunnamehi Village Ihiala on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
“Ezeh is a private practitioner and Managing Director of Vera Clinic Ihiala. The kidnappers have requested N40 million ransom at first and subsequently N30 million in the last 24 hours
“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, our member’s release is not secured, all the doctors in Anambra State under the aegis of NMA-Anambra will down tools until our member is released. An emergency meeting will be convened within the next 48 hours to review the progress made so far.”
The NMA appreciated the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the effort of his administration towards repositioning the health sector while appealing that urgent measures be put in place to tackle the menace of insecurity and other challenges in the State.
The association called on members to continue striving towards providing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to the people of the state.
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