The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria and the Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital have strongly condemned the recent raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the hospital, describing the operation as unacceptable and traumatic.
The condemnation followed Tuesday’s invasion of the hospital by EFCC operatives, during which some management staff members were reportedly detained. The incident prompted the hospital authorities to declare an indefinite strike.
In a joint communiqué issued in Uyo on Wednesday after an emergency meeting, the two associations called the attention of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to what they described as a violent invasion of the hospital environment.
The communiqué, signed by MDCAN Chairman, Dr. Mfon Inoh; MDCAN Secretary, Dr. Kalu Nnenna; ARD President, Dr. Ekomobong Udoh; and ARD Secretary, Dr. Kenneth Ikott, criticised the conduct of EFCC operatives during the operation.
“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 who continually risk their lives to save others,” the statement read.
The doctors alleged that security operatives employed excessive force, including the use of live ammunition, during the operation.
“We further condemn the brutal and unrestrained use of live ammunition during the invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital community by EFCC operatives, during which healthcare professionals, support staff, patients and other personnel were assaulted, traumatised and subjected to fear for their lives,” the associations stated.
According to the groups, the EFCC operatives forcefully entered offices and allegedly removed management staff without first notifying or engaging hospital leadership about the purpose of their visit.
“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 or other senior staff to notify them of their mission in the hospital,” the communiqué added.
MDCAN and ARD further demanded disciplinary measures against officers involved in the raid, insisting that accountability was necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“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 statement said.
The associations also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained hospital staff, prosecution of officers allegedly involved in misconduct, medical and psychological support for affected victims, compensation for assaulted personnel, and a public apology from the EFCC in national newspapers.
They maintained that the indefinite strike declared by doctors at the institution would remain in force until their demands are addressed.
