MDCAN, ARD condemn EFCC raid on Uyo teaching hospital

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University of Uyo Teaching Hospital chapters, have condemned the raid carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the hospital, describing the operation as unacceptable.

 

Operatives of the anti-graft agency reportedly stormed the hospital on Tuesday and detained some members of the hospital’s management staff, an incident that led the institution’s authorities to declare an indefinite strike.

 

In a joint communiqué issued on Wednesday after a meeting in Uyo, the associations called the attention of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, and the general public to what they described as a violent invasion of the hospital community.

 

The communiqué was signed by MDCAN Chairman, Dr Mfon Inoh; MDCAN Secretary, Dr Kalu Nnenna; ARD President, Dr Ekomobong Udoh; and ARD Secretary, Dr Kenneth Ikott.

 

The groups condemned what they described as the “brutal and unrestrained use of live ammunition” and the commando-style manner in which the operation was allegedly conducted.

 

“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,” the statement read.

 

According to the associations, healthcare workers, patients and other hospital personnel were traumatised during the operation.

 

They also accused EFCC operatives of allegedly forcefully entering offices and dragging out management staff without first notifying the hospital’s leadership about their mission.

 

“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,” the communiqué added.

 

The associations demanded disciplinary action against all officers involved in the operation, insisting that the conduct of the operatives violated established procedures expected of security agencies.

 

They also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained staff members, prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the raid, compensation for assaulted workers, and comprehensive medical and psychological support for victims.

 

In addition, the groups demanded a public apology from the EFCC to be published in two national newspapers, as well as repairs for all damaged property within the hospital premises.

 

The associations maintained that the indefinite strike embarked upon by their members would continue until all demands are met.