The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Anambra State Chapters have called on the Anambra Truth Justice and Peace Commission (ATJPC) to intervene in the security and welfare of their members in the state.
Speaking during his appearance before Professor Chidi Odinkalu led Anambra Truth Justice And Peace Commission, Dr Ifeanaeme Frank, a representative of the NMA in Anambra State, testified before the commission that the insecurity in the state has led to the sudden death of their members; Dr Casmir Okpe and Dr Chijioke Enumba, who was killed on October 2022 and February 2023, respectively, by unknown gunmen in the state.
According to Dr Ifeanaeme, “We are still waiting for the outcome of the police investigation as regards the death of our colleagues. Doctors are now scared to travel at night to attend to emergencies in the various health facilities. Maternal mortality, accident and emergency, trauma care are the core areas being affected by high mortality rate as a result of the insecurity in the state.”
He also called for public enlightenment campaigns on first aid so as to help reduce the increased mortality.
For her part, the leader of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Anambra State chapter, Mrs Onwuka Edith, emphasized that violence and insecurity have really affected the service delivery of nurses in the state.
“The sit-at-home in the southeast affects us and insecurity has forced most of our members outside the state. It has also affected our service delivery. Health facilities without accommodation for health workers are mainly affected.
“Nurses only wear uniform in Anambra hospitals while on duty in the hospital and at night for safety. Community nursing and midwifery should be resurrected in the state so that nurses will be available in rural areas.”
Mrs Onwuka also called for an increase in the remuneration of health workers in the state.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Public Prosecution, Anambra State, represented by Barrister Tessy Oguekwe, the Deputy Director in the state ministry of Justice, said to the commission, “Our six zonal offices are faced with problems of proper investigation and availability of witnesses. Insecurity hampers cases on Mondays, especially custody cases.”
She urged the commission to urgently intervene so as to save lives.
Meanwhile, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) chairman in the state, Mr Paul Odenigbo, earlier submitted his report on “State of Internal Displacement and Ecological Crisis in the State,” and promised to appear before the commission next week for elaboration.
Responding, the Chairman of the commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, assured the witnesses that the commission, with the aid of the commissioners and his secretary, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu would directly and effectively bring their various professional plights to an end through the Anambra State Government.
He lauded the efforts of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo in prioritising the security and welfare of the citizenry.
The ATJPC currently holding its second public hearing in Anambra State, was constituted by Governor Charles Soludo in June 2022 to inquire into the violent agitations and restiveness in the state and the South East.
The Commission will have sessions with Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association leaders as well as special inquiries into cult-related killings in some communities on Saturday, 28 October, 2023.
PIAK
