The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra Branch, has condemned what it considered the “incessant harassment and intimidation” of doctors in the line of duty in the state.
The association’s position is contained in a communique issued in the wake of the police detention of a consultant obstetrician with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Dr Chidiebere Ikeotunye, following the death of a patient he was handling.
The communique, signed by Dr Princeston Okam and Dr Obiaeli Ifeanyi, Chairman and Secretary of the body, after a virtual emergency general meeting, on Thursday, stated that Ikeotuonye was detained at Zone 13, Ukpo after honouring an invitation.
“Our colleague, Dr Ikeotuonye Chidiebere, was detained and refused bail yesterday, Wednesday, Nov. 12 by the Nigerian Police, Zone 13, following the unfortunate demise of a patient he attended to.
“Ikeotuonye was detained and refused bail after interrogation and interaction with the AIG,” it added
The body expressed its sympathy with the family of the deceased over the unfortunate incident and condemned the “incessant police attacks and harassment” of members in the course of discharging their duties.
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The communique also added that the index case “did not in any way translate to murder or conspiracy to murder”.
The association threatened to withdraw its services, “If within 24 hours our colleague is not released on bail or charged to court.
“NMA Anambra will explore all legitimate and legal means at her disposal to stop the incessant harassment of her members in their line of duty,” it said.
Speaking on the development, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Josephine Ihunwo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that “the doctor had been released and matter resolved”.
Meanwhile, NMA has congratulated Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election and urged him to use his good offices to protect the healthcare system “from unwarranted attacks and imminent collapse”.
It also called on members to continue to provide quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to Anambra people, in spite of the challenges.
(NAN)