Chuwkunonso Nzekwe is grieving the loss of his friend, Obum Mekowulu Oluchukwu, who passed away just three days ago. Nzekwe’s heartache is compounded by the fact that Obum, an On Air Personality, died after being rejected by several hospitals in Anambra State due to an ongoing doctors’ strike.
The strike, which started last Thursday, was led by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Anambra Branch in response to the kidnapping of Dr. Stephen Ezeh, one of their members. Despite the strike being called off on Sunday following Dr. Ezeh’s release, the consequences were already severe.
In a poignant Facebook post on August 26, 2024, Nzekwe described how Obum complained of severe stomach pain and was rushed to different hospitals in the middle of the night. Unfortunately, these hospitals, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, turned him away because doctors were not available due to the strike.
Nzekwe’s post is a heart-wrenching reminder of the impact of medical strikes on vulnerable patients. He wrote, “Nigeria failed you, Nigerian Doctors failed you, and we failed you.” Obum, known for his kind nature and dedication to discussing Nigerian issues on his radio program, was left without the care he needed and passed away as a result.
This tragic event sheds light on the dire consequences of such strikes, highlighting the urgent need for solutions that ensure patient care is not compromised during disputes.
