Lagos NMA condemns EFCC raid on UUTH, threatens solidarity strike

…Demands apology over alleged assault on consultant, disruption of medical services

By Chioma Obinna

The Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State Branch, on Friday condemned the alleged invasion of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), warning that doctors in Lagos may join the ongoing indefinite strike action in Akwa Ibom if the matter is not urgently resolved.

The Chairman of NMA Lagos, Dr Babajide Saheed, in a press statement issued, described the alleged assault on the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, and other hospital staff as unlawful, unethical and capable of worsening fear among healthcare workers nationwide.

The association also accused EFCC operatives of disrupting medical services at the hospital during the operation reportedly linked to allegations of a fake medical report issued by the institution.

“NMA Lagos State branch condemns in strong terms the illegal and unethical disruption of medical services to patients at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,” Saheed said.

According to him, the incident has created anxiety among doctors who now feel unsafe carrying out their duties even within public hospitals.

“The actions of the EFCC have brought tension, agitation and fear among Nigerian doctors. If this could happen in a public teaching hospital, one can only imagine what could happen in smaller health facilities,” he stated.

Saheed said the development reflects what the association described as a growing pattern of harassment against medical practitioners in the country.

He recalled that the Lagos branch had earlier intervened in a similar matter involving a Lagos-based doctor invited by the Enugu office of the EFCC over a petition filed by a patient.

“NMA Lagos, through its lawyer, challenged the jurisdiction of the Enugu EFCC office in court, and that intervention prevented the arrest and possible assault of our member.”

The Lagos NMA warned that it may have no other option than to join the indefinite strike action already embarked upon by the Akwa Ibom State branch if the issue is not resolved by next week.

Among its demands, the association called for a public apology from the EFCC leadership to Prof. Ekpe, affected staff members, UUTH management, NMA Akwa Ibom and Nigerian doctors.

The association also demanded the setting up of an independent investigative panel to probe the incident and ensure disciplinary action against any officers found culpable.

“Doctors should be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation. The constitutionally recognised regulatory body for medical practice, the MDCN, should be allowed to perform its statutory responsibilities.”

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