The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State Branch, has condemned what it described as the incessant harassment and intimidation of doctors in the line of duty in the state.
The association’s position followed the detention of a consultant obstetrician at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Dr. Chidiebere Ikeotuonye, by the police after the death of a patient under his care.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual general meeting on Thursday, and signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Princeston Okam, and Secretary, Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the association said Dr. Ikeotuonye was detained at Zone 13 Police Command, Ukpo, after honoring a police invitation.
“Our colleague, Dr. Ikeotuonye Chidiebere, was detained and refused bail on Wednesday, Nov. 12, by the Nigerian Police, Zone 13, following the unfortunate demise of a patient he attended to. He was denied bail after interrogation and interaction with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police,” the communiqué stated.
The association expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased but condemned the “incessant police attacks and harassment” of doctors while performing their professional duties.
It also stated that the incident “did not in any way amount to murder or conspiracy to murder.”
The NMA threatened to withdraw its services if Dr. Ikeotuonye was not released on bail or charged to court within 24 hours.
“NMA Anambra will explore all legitimate and legal means at its disposal to stop the incessant harassment of its members in the line of duty,” the statement added.
Reacting to the development, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Josephine Ihunwo, told reporters in Awka that the doctor had been released and the matter resolved.
Meanwhile, the NMA congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo on his re-election and urged him to protect the state’s healthcare system from “unwarranted attacks and imminent collapse.”
The association also called on its members to continue providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare services to the people of Anambra despite existing challenges.
