The Akwa Ibom state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has commenced an indefinite strike to protest what it described as an illegal invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) and assault on health workers by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The association has called for the arrest and prosecution of all officials involved in the incident.
Disruption of Healthcare Services
According to reports, the EFCC operation at the teaching hospital on Tuesday disrupted healthcare services, causing patients and health workers to flee the facility. The operation triggered panic, leaving patients unattended, while a senior hospital official was arrested by security personnel. Witnesses stated that armed operatives stormed the hospital in two salon cars and a tinted bus, with some wearing masks and a few displaying EFCC insignia.
Arrest of a Senior Doctor
During the operation, Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, was arrested. The reason for his arrest remains unknown.
NMA Chairman's Reaction
Dr. Aniekan Imo Peter, the state Chairman of the NMA, who was also affected by teargas during the incident, expressed outrage over the conduct of the EFCC officials. Speaking to The Guardian, he said, "I am trying to get myself together; I am asthmatic and inhaled teargas. Do you know how many more people are having symptoms of crisis? This is an illegal invasion of the hospital space by EFCC men taking the law into their own hands. If they wanted to invite any doctor to their office, no doctor would disrespect their invitation. They came to the hospital, fired gunshots, and shot teargas inside the hospital. Even in a war situation, nobody would shoot guns or teargas inside a hospital."
He added, "EFCC operatives desecrated the temple of the hospital. They masked themselves, beat a professor to stupor, and handcuffed him in front of his patients. We have already started an indefinite strike throughout the state, and other responses will follow. If I am a bit better, we will hold a world press conference tomorrow and take it from there."
Demands and Lamentations
Dr. Peter called for the immediate release of all health workers arrested during the EFCC raid and demanded that all confiscated phones be returned to their owners. He lamented the poor treatment of doctors and health workers in Nigeria despite their dedication and sacrifices. "We stayed back in this country to work almost free of charge due to our dedication. When we look at the salaries our colleagues earn outside the country, we are absolutely working free of charge. A doctor in Nigeria cannot afford even a Tokunbo car, but a doctor who started work today in South Africa can buy a brand new car. The people responsible must be arrested and prosecuted," he said.
