Medical doctors in Akwa Ibom state have announced their formal withdrawal of services in public hospitals following the invasion and harassment of doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by a team of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday May 12.
Briefing newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday May 13, the NMA Vice Chairman Akwa Ibom branch, Dr. Tiemah Akpabio flanked by the Assistant Secretary, Dr. Unyime Ndoh directed all doctors in public hospitals to down tools pending when EFCC will apologize to NMA and the harassed health personnel.
It can be recalled that on Tuesday May 12, EFCC harassed Professor Eyo Ekpe, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), in an attempt to get a confirmation for a medical report of a suspect standing trial.
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The NMA described EFCC’s action as barbaric, degrading, inhumane, and a gross violation of the sanctity of the hospital environment, thereby putting staff and patients at risk and undermining the dignity of the medical profession.
“It is abnormal for EFCC to authenticate doctor’s report. It was wrong for EFCC officials to arrest, beat up and injure Professor Ekpe, nurses, administrative staff and fired teargas in the hospital when there is a ward called sick care baby unit where babies with fragile respiratory issues are kept.
“Verifying doctors report is not enough to disrupt work. No doctor is permitted to go to work. We decline care to people who are threat to our lives.” Dr. Ndoh said.
He noted that the NMA state chairman, while trying to intervene during the altercation between the EFCC and Professor Ekpe, had an attack which warranted him to be hospitalised.
The NMA demanded formal apology from the EFCC to Dr Ekpe and the NMA Akwa Ibom state branch before doctors can return to work.
