Following reports that members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) assaulted, arrested, and detained medical staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State launched an indefinite strike.
The decision was made on Tuesday in Uyo during the association’s emergency congress.
Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH, was among the doctors who were allegedly assaulted and arrested after EFCC agents allegedly invaded the hospital grounds during an operation, according to the NMA.
The state NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, and Secretary, Dr. Ighorodje Edesiri, signed a statement denouncing the incident as a violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment. “We condemn in strong terms the invasion of the hospital and assault on medical personnel by EFCC operatives,” the statement said. The association also announced the immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services throughout the state until all detained members are released and their demands are met. In response to the accusation, the EFCC denied assaulting medical staff.
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