By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Uyo
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) have strongly condemned the invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing the operation as unlawful, violent and traumatic.
The two professional bodies accused EFCC operatives of storming the hospital premises, assaulting staff and abducting key management personnel in a manner they said violated established security procedures expected in a civil institution.
In a joint communiqué issued to journalists in Uyo on Wednesday after an emergency meeting, the associations demanded the immediate arrest and disciplinary action against all EFCC officials involved in the operation, alongside a public apology to the hospital community.
The communiqué was jointly 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 groups described the operation as an “unprovoked invasion” marked by the “brutal and unrestrained use of live ammunition,” alleging that healthcare workers, patients and support staff were assaulted and subjected to fear and psychological trauma during the incident.
According to the associations, the operatives forcefully broke into offices and dragged out management staff without first engaging the hospital’s administrative leadership or notifying senior officials of the purpose of their visit.
The doctors maintained that the conduct of the EFCC operatives fell far below acceptable standards for security agencies carrying out investigations or verification exercises within a public institution.
“The assault on staff and personnel, as well as the unlawful abduction of members of the hospital community, is completely unacceptable as these actions fall outside the authorised procedures expected of security personnel,” the communiqué stated.
The associations also called the attention of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, to the incident, urging the state government and relevant authorities to intervene urgently.
Among their demands are the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted hospital staff, comprehensive medical and psychological care for assaulted victims, adequate compensation for those affected, and the repair of all damaged property caused during the raid.
MDCAN and ARD further demanded that the EFCC publish an unreserved apology to the UUTH community in at least two national newspapers, warning that the indefinite strike embarked upon by their members would continue until all their demands are fully met.
