The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital have condemned the alleged invasion of the hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, describing the operation as unacceptable and contrary to professional standards.
The groups made their position known in a joint communiqué issued on Wednesday in Uyo following an emergency meeting. They also called on Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno to urgently intervene in the matter.
The controversy followed reports that EFCC operatives stormed the hospital on Tuesday and allegedly detained members of the institution’s management staff, an incident that later triggered an indefinite strike by hospital workers.
However, the EFCC has denied any misconduct, maintaining that its personnel visited the hospital to verify a medical report linked to an ongoing fraud investigation and were allegedly attacked while carrying out official duties.
In the communiqué, MDCAN and ARD criticised what they described as the “brutal and unrestrained use of live ammunition” during what they termed a commando-style operation, arguing that the incident endangered healthcare workers, patients and visitors within the hospital environment.
Part of the communiqué read, “The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, UUTH Chapter, and the Association of Resident Doctors UUTH Chapter, bring to the attention of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and all well-meaning people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, the unfortunate incident involving the violent attack and abduction of some management staff of the hospital by personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
The associations further condemned what they described as an unprovoked assault on healthcare professionals.
“The unprovoked invasion, violence and assault on staff members and personnel of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital community by EFCC operatives are strongly condemned, especially when directed against healthcare professionals…” the communiqué stated.
The unions also demanded disciplinary measures against officers allegedly involved in the operation, insisting that due process should always be followed in engagements involving healthcare institutions.
“We therefore demand that appropriate action be taken against all personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission involved in the unfortunate incident for the purpose of disciplinary measures in accordance with established laws, as a deterrent to other security personnel,” the communiqué stated.
MDCAN and ARD additionally condemned the alleged use of live ammunition during the operation, claiming that healthcare personnel, patients and support workers were left traumatised by the incident.
“We further condemn the brutal and unrestrained use of live ammunition during the invasion… during which healthcare professionals, support staff, patients and other personnel were assaulted, traumatised and subjected to fear for their lives,” the statement added.
The groups also accused EFCC operatives of forcefully entering offices and removing management staff without first notifying or engaging hospital authorities.
“We condemn the actions of EFCC operatives who forcefully broke into offices to drag out some management staff without any attempt to engage the administrative head of the hospital…”
Among their demands were the immediate and unconditional release of all detained hospital staff, prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the operation, compensation for victims, medical and psychological support for affected persons, and a public apology to be published in two national newspapers.
They also requested repairs for property allegedly damaged during the incident.
The communiqué was signed by Mfon Inoh, Kalu Nnenna, Ekomobong Udoh and Kenneth Ikott.
The associations stated that the ongoing indefinite strike would remain in force until their demands are addressed.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association in Akwa Ibom State has also commenced an indefinite strike over the incident, demanding the release of detained doctors, an apology from the EFCC and legal redress.
