The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Akwa Ibom State have proclaimed an indefinite strike after the alleged assault, arrest and detention of medical staff by officials of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH.
The industrial action decision was made during an emergency congress of the association on Tuesday in Uyo.
According to the NMA, the incident happened after EFCC operatives reportedly invaded the premises of the hospital 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 doctors 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.
The EFCC denied assaulting medical workers, noting that its operatives only visited the hospital to verify a medical report connected to an ongoing investigation.
