Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Anambra State Chapters, have urgently called on the Anambra Truth Justice and Peace Commission (ATJPC) to step in and address the security concerns and welfare of their members in the state.
During a recent appearance before the Anambra Truth Justice And Peace Commission led by Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Dr. Ifeanaeme Frank, a representative of the NMA in Anambra State, testified that the rising insecurity in the state has tragically resulted in the untimely deaths of their fellow medical professionals. Dr. Casmir Okpe and Dr. Chijioke Enumba, both dedicated doctors, were killed in October 2022 and February 2023, respectively, by unknown assailants in the state.
According to Dr. Ifeanaeme, “We are anxiously awaiting the outcomes of the ongoing police investigations into the deaths of our colleagues. The prevailing atmosphere of fear has severely impacted the ability of doctors to provide healthcare services during night shifts in various health facilities. Maternal mortality rates, accident and emergency response, and trauma care have been significantly affected by the escalating insecurity in the state.”
Dr. Ifeanaeme further emphasized the need for public enlightenment campaigns on first aid techniques to help reduce the rising mortality rates. Time is of the essence, and urgent action is crucial to saving lives.
Mrs. Onwuka Edith, the leader of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Anambra State chapter, highlighted the acute impact of violence and insecurity on the delivery of nursing services in the state.
“The ongoing sit-at-home directives in the Southeast have directly affected us, and the prevailing insecurity has forced many of our members to relocate outside the state,” Mrs. Onwuka stated. “This, in turn, has had a detrimental effect on our ability to provide quality healthcare services. Health facilities that lack accommodation for healthcare workers are particularly affected.”
She called for the revitalization of community nursing and midwifery programs in the state to ensure the availability of healthcare professionals in rural areas. Furthermore, raising the remuneration of healthcare workers was highlighted as a critical step for fostering job satisfaction and motivation.
Barrister Tessy Oguekwe, the Deputy Director in the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, representing the Director of Public Prosecution, addressed the commission, stating, “Our six zonal offices are grappling with challenges related to proper investigation procedures and the availability of witnesses. Insecurity has particularly hampered custody cases, especially on Mondays.” Urgent intervention is needed to restore order and ensure the swift delivery of justice.
In response to the testimonies and pleas of the healthcare professionals, the Chairman of the commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, assured the witnesses that the commission, alongside its dedicated commissioners and secretary, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, will actively pursue resolutions to alleviate the professional plights being faced. The Anambra State Government is committed to addressing these pressing concerns and will prioritize the security and welfare of all citizens.
Professor Odinkalu commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his tireless efforts in safeguarding the wellbeing of the people of Anambra State. As the commission continues with its second round of public hearings, it is set to engage with leaders from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and conduct specialized inquiries into cult-related killings in some communities on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
PIAK
