The Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) today (Tuesday)
withdrew medical services from all hospitals in the state following the kidnap and continuous detention of their colleague and an elder statesman, Prof Uwadinachi Iweha. The 74 years old Iweha, a former Medical Director of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) was kidnapped on Sunday 6th June 2022, at 4 pm in front of his house at Umuajameze Ezeleke Umuokpara Umuahia South Local Government Area.
peaking to journalists through a release signed by Dr Chimezie Godswill Okwuonu, Chairman Abia NMA and Secretary, Dr Robinson Ugwuanyi, Dr Umenwa Joachim, the Vice Chairman of Abia NMA said that doctors are no longer sure about their safety.
He said, “Arising from its meeting on Friday 10th June 2022, the NMA Abia State Branch took a peaceful protest to the Government House where it registered its displeasure at the kidnap of its senior medical colleague.
“We were received by the Chief of Staff Chief Okey Ahaiwe, who assured us, on behalf of the Governor, that government will do all the needful to ensure the release of its colleague. We are still looking up to this promise. “Today, Tuesday 14th, the NMA Abia State have commenced a withdrawal of services in both public and private sectors, to register its deep displeasure at this unfortunate incident and give its members time to join the family in searching for its members.
“However, emergency services are still going on to enable our members to attend to critical patients. We shall also take out time to pray for Prof Iweha and carry out a very peaceful rally to show that we stand by our own in this time of trial” Joachim said. Joachim said that as an Association, it contacted the relevant agencies and the Government of Abia state and up until today Tuesday 14th June, they are yet to hear from their colleague or see him.
He said, “As an Association deeply involved in the welfare of Medical Doctors in Abia State, we are worried that nine days down the line, Prof Uwadinachi Iweha is still within the kidnappers’ Den. “This is traumatic, depressing, dehumanising and has instilled a lot of fear within the medical community whose primary objective is to save the life of Abians from the medical point of view.
“The Nigerian Medical Association Abia State hereby condemns the kidnap of its member and calls on the Abia State Government and security apparatus to do all that is necessary to secure his release.” Joachim said that Abia State is known as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, but the recent spate of kidnap with its attendant consequences on the morale of its citizens has the capability of eroding the achievement the state has made in the area of security.
“Prof Iweha served Abia State diligently as the Chief Medical Director of Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba and Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre. “Currently he is the Provost of Gregory University College Of Medicine, Umuahia Campus. Our earnest prayer is that his health condition does not deteriorate further and he comes back alive to us and his family.” He said that the nature and scope of their work involve being on the road any time they are called, as more than 95% of Doctors reside outside their place of work. Jaochim added that with the current state of fear caused by the kidnap and detention of Prof Iweha, safety cannot be guaranteed and it will be difficult to attend to duties as normal as no one knows who will be the next victim.
He added that the physician pledge, as amended by the 68th World Medical Association General Assembly Chicago in 2017 states in line 11 “I will take care of my health and well-being, and abilities to provide care of the highest standards.” Joachim said that with the kidnap and continued detention of Prof Iweha, they are not assured of their health and well-being as Doctors in this environment; hence may not provide care of the highest standard.
