The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State has initiated an indefinite work stoppage following the reported attack, arrest, and detention of healthcare workers by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).
This decision emerged from an emergency congress held on Tuesday in Uyo. According to the NMA, the incident unfolded when EFCC agents allegedly invaded the hospital premises during an operation, resulting in the assault and detention of several doctors, including Professor Eyo Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH.
In a communiqué signed by Professor Aniekan Peter, the state NMA Chairman, and Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, the Secretary, the association strongly denounced the occurrence, calling it a breach of the hospital’s sanctity. “We unequivocally condemn the invasion of the hospital and the assault on medical personnel by EFCC operatives,” the statement declared.
The association has announced an immediate and total suspension of medical services across the state until all detained members are released and their conditions are met.
In response, the EFCC has denied any assault on medical staff, asserting that its operatives merely went to the hospital to authenticate a medical report related to an ongoing investigation.