UYO, NIGERIA — The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) have condemned the reported raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State.
The medical associations described the operation as an unacceptable invasion of a healthcare facility and demanded the immediate release of affected medical personnel.
The condemnation follows a tense incident at the teaching hospital during which EFCC operatives reportedly stormed the premises while carrying out an investigation linked to an alleged financial crime case.
According to eyewitness accounts, panic spread across the hospital as patients, workers, and visitors fled for safety during the operation.
Medical groups alleged that Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and deputy chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, was arrested and assaulted during the incident.
The associations also claimed that teargas was discharged within the hospital environment, creating fear and confusion among staff and patients.
In separate reactions, MDCAN and ARD accused the EFCC of violating the sanctity of a medical institution and endangering lives through its conduct.
The groups insisted that hospitals should remain protected spaces where medical personnel can carry out their duties without intimidation or disruption.
They further condemned reports that phones belonging to individuals recording the incident were allegedly seized by operatives.
The associations called on the federal government and relevant authorities to investigate the operation and hold any offending officers accountable.
Following emergency meetings, the medical groups announced support for the indefinite strike declared by doctors in the state.
The strike has already begun affecting healthcare services across Akwa Ibom, raising concerns about access to medical care for patients.
The EFCC, however, defended the operation, stating that its officers visited the hospital to verify a medical report connected to a suspect under investigation for alleged fraud.
The anti-graft agency also claimed its operatives were attacked while carrying out lawful duties.
Despite the explanation, medical stakeholders insist that the manner in which the operation was conducted was excessive and inappropriate for a healthcare environment.
Healthcare professionals and civil society groups have continued to express concern over increasing tensions between security agencies and public institutions.
Analysts warn that prolonged industrial action by doctors could worsen pressure on Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.
They also note that disputes involving security agencies and hospitals require careful handling because of the potential impact on public health and emergency services.
Medical leaders are demanding assurances that such incidents will not recur before normal services can fully resume.
Attention now shifts to whether dialogue between the EFCC, medical associations, and government authorities can resolve the standoff and end the ongoing strike action.
