Uyo doctors announce indefinite strike after alleged assault of medical staff by EFFC at UUTH

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State announced an indefinite strike after medical staff were allegedly assaulted, arrested and detained by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

The decision was taken at an emergency congress of the association held on Tuesday in Uyo.

The NMA says the incident happened when EFCC operatives allegedly entered the hospital grounds during a procedure, resulting in the reported assault and arrest of several doctors, among them Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH.

In a communiqué signed by state NMA Chairman Professor Aniekan Peter and Secretary Dr Ighorodje Edesiri, the association condemned the episode as a breach of the hospital’s sanctity.

“We strongly condemn the invasion of the hospital and the assault on medical personnel by EFCC operatives,” the statement said.

The association declared an immediate, indefinite suspension of medical services throughout the state until the detained members are released and their concerns are met.

The EFCC responded by denying any assault on medical workers, asserting that its operatives had visited the hospital solely to verify a medical report linked to an ongoing investigation.