The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Akwa Ibom State have declared an indefinite strike following the alleged assault, arrest and detention of medical personnel by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH.
The decision was reached during an emergency congress of the association on Tuesday in Uyo.
According to the NMA, the incident occurred after EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the hospital premises during an operation, leading to the alleged assault and arrest of some doctors, including Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at UUTH.
In a communiqué signed by the state NMA Chairman, Professor Aniekan Peter, and Secretary, Dr Ighorodje Edesiri, the association condemned the incident, describing it 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 read.
The association announced the immediate and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across the state until all detained members are released and their demands addressed.
Reacting to the allegation, the EFCC denied assaulting medical workers, stating that its operatives only visited the hospital to verify a medical report connected to an ongoing investigation.
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