Doctors vs EFCC: UUTH CMD begs medical unions to suspend strike
University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Calls for Medical Unions to Resume Services
Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), has urged various medical unions in Akwa Ibom State to return to their duties and provide essential medical care to the community.
The appeal follows a withdrawal of services by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and other medical groups. This action was prompted by an incident involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), during which a prominent cardiologist, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, was reportedly arrested and assaulted.
In a press conference at UUTH, Prof. Bassey expressed concern over the impact of the strike on patients and the community. He condemned the EFCC’s actions, describing them as the result of overzealous officials who do not reflect the commission’s true mission.
“We are appealing to our colleagues and unions to consider the human lives involved. Patients are suffering. Newborns and critically ill individuals are at risk,” Prof. Bassey said. He emphasized the need to keep the hospital’s Accident and Emergency department, Intensive Care Unit, and Special Care Unit for infants operational.
Despite the strike, management, including Prof. Ekpe, has been present at the hospital to stabilize critical units and ensure ongoing treatment for patients.
Prof. Bassey also advised security forces to exercise restraint in their operations, assuring medical staff that similar incidents would be prevented through interventions by the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Minister of Health.
He clarified that the dispute arose over a medical report related to an ongoing investigation, which was found to be counterfeit and not issued by UUTH. “A group, possibly in collusion with legal representatives, produced a fraudulent report using non-official channels,” he stated. The verification process for medical reports is rigorous, and this particular document was confirmed to be fake.
