The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has raised the alarm over the “incessant harassment and intimidation” of its members in the line of duty in the State.
The concern was contained in a communique issued in the wake of the police detention of a consultant obstetrician, Dr. Chidiebere Iketunonye following the death of a patient he was handling.
The incident occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.
In a communiqué signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the association; Dr. Princeston Okam and Dr. Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the stated that Dr. Iketunonye was released on Thursday.
The association confirmed that Ikeotuonye had been detained at Zone 13 in Ukpo police division after responding to an invitation by the police.
The statement read, “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. “
NMA expressed its sympathy with the family of the deceased over the unfortunate incident. But condemned the “incessant police attacks and harassment” of of its members in the course of discharging their duties.
Commenting on the death of the patient, the NMA added that the index case “did not in any way translate to murder or conspiracy to murder”
While expressing concern over the incident, 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.
NMA also 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”.
The association also called on its members to continue to provide quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services to Anambra people, in spite of the challenges.