The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) Akwa Ibom State chapter, has condemned the unwarranted invasion of University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an alleged mission to verify medical report.
In a statement signed by the association’s President, Dr Emmanuel Akpan John, the body questioned the audacity of EFCC to cause pandemonium in the healthcare environment, thereby putting at risk the lives of patients and healthcare givers.
The association also, berated the unlawful arrest, assault, harassment, and detention of healthcare workers have continually placed their lives on the line in service to humanity.
The statement read: “Among those affected are Prof. Eyo Ekpe, a renowned Cardiothoracic Surgeon and one of the very few in the Country in that field; Prof. Aniekan Peter, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State Branch; and several other distinguished healthcare professionals who contribute immensely to the delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
“The Association considers this level of intimidation, aggression, harassment, and physical assault on healthcare personnel as unprecedented, deeply disturbing, and wholly condemnable.
“We are particularly concerned as to when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) became the statutory body responsible for verifying medical reports or documents issued by healthcare institutions.
“Eyewitness accounts describe how EFCC operatives fired gunshots and released tear gas canisters—procured with taxpayers’ money—within a healthcare environment occupied by patients, caregivers, and medical personnel.
“Hospitals are universally recognized as protected spaces dedicated to healing and care.
“International humanitarian instruments, including the Geneva Conventions and UN Security Council Resolution 2286, emphasize the protection of medical facilities and healthcare personnel under all circumstances, including periods of armed conflict.
“It is therefore unacceptable that healthcare workers carrying out their lawful duties within a medical facility would be subjected to such degrading treatment in a democratic society.”
Dr. John, however, bemoans the development citing an already battered health care space in the country owing to brain drain and poor working condition with respect to remuneration and not too conducive environment.
“This reprehensible incident comes at a time when Nigeria is already battling one of the worst healthcare workforce crises in its history, driven by the mass emigration of skilled professionals due to poor remuneration, unconducive working environments, insecurity, burnout, and weak welfare structures.
“Open hostility and acts of intimidation against healthcare workers by security agencies that are expected to protect lives and institutions will only worsen the already alarming brain drain affecting the nation’s health sector.
“These brazen attacks on Nigerian healthcare professionals must come to an end. All officials found culpable in this unfortunate incident must be thoroughly investigated and made to face the full weight of the law.
“Such accountability will serve as a deterrent to overzealous, trigger-happy, and lawless security operatives who act outside the bounds of professionalism and constitutional responsibility.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, medical regulatory bodies, civil society organizations, human rights groups, and relevant investigative authorities to urgently wade into this matter and ensure that justice is served.
“ARD-AKS remains resolute and stands firmly in support of the resolutions and position of the Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State Branch, as we collectively demand justice and the immediate restoration of calm, professionalism, and decorum within the healthcare ecosystem. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
