The EFCC has, however, denied wrongdoing, saying its operatives were verifying a medical report linked to a fraud case and were attacked while carrying out their duty.
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) chapter, have condemned the alleged invasion of the hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the incident as unacceptable and a breach of professional conduct.
The groups, in a joint communiqué issued on Wednesday in Uyo after an emergency meeting, also notified Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, of the development, calling for urgent intervention.
The EFCC operatives were alleged to have stormed the hospital on Tuesday, where they allegedly detained some members of the hospital’s management staff. The incident subsequently led to an indefinite strike declared by the hospital authorities.
READ ALSO: NMA Declares Strike In Akwa Ibom Over Alleged Assault Of Doctors By EFCC Operatives
However, the EFCC has denied wrongdoing, insisting its operatives were at the hospital to verify a medical report linked to an ongoing fraud investigation, and that they were allegedly attacked during the course of their duty.
MDCAN and ARD criticised what they described as the “brutal and unrestrained use of live ammunition” and a commando-style operation, insisting that the conduct of the operatives endangered healthcare workers, patients, and other personnel within the facility.
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 unions further stated that the alleged unprovoked invasion and assault on staff were unacceptable, particularly against healthcare workers “who continually risk their lives to save others.”
They added, “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 associations also demanded disciplinary action against officers involved in the operation, insisting that due process must be followed in any engagement within healthcare facilities.
“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.
They further condemned the alleged use of live ammunition during the operation, stating that medical staff, patients, and support workers were traumatised.
“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 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…”
They demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all allegedly detained hospital staff, prosecution of officers allegedly involved, compensation for victims, medical and psychological support for those affected, and an apology published in two national newspapers, alongside repairs of damaged property.
The communiqué was signed by MDCAN UUTH Chairman, Dr Mfon Inoh; MDCAN Secretary, Dr Kalu Nnenna; ARD President, Dr Ekomobong Udoh; and ARD Secretary, Dr Kenneth Ikott.
The associations also stated that the ongoing indefinite strike would only be suspended once their demands were met.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom has also declared an indefinite strike over the incident, demanding the release of detained doctors, an apology from the EFCC, and legal redress.
