The Akwa Ibom State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has proceeded on an indefinite strike following an emergency meeting held on Tuesday. The industrial action comes in direct response to a violent operation by operatives of the EFCC at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), which reportedly involved gunshots, the deployment of teargas, and the physical assault of medical personnel.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) described the invasion of a tertiary health facility as an “unprecedented assault” on the medical profession and a gross violation of the safety of patients and healthcare providers.
Arising from their emergency session, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) issued a stern resolution outlining their conditions for a return to work. The most notable demand is a claim for N1 billion in damages from the anti-corruption agency to compensate for the physical and psychological trauma inflicted on its members and the disruption of the facility.
The association’s resolution includes an indefinite withdrawal of services by all its members across state and federal health facilities, a formal claim of N1 billion against the EFCC for the “barbaric” treatment of doctors. Others include a demand for a televised and written apology from the leadership of the EFCC and a call for the government to ensure that hospitals are designated as “no-go zones” for armed operations of this nature.
The strike was triggered by Tuesday’s events where EFCC operatives allegedly stormed the hospital to apprehend suspects. The use of teargas in a clinical environment—where patients with varying degrees of respiratory distress are treated—has been a focal point of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)‘s grievance. Furthermore, the reported assault on the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee served as a final “red line” for the association.
With the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) directing a total withdrawal of services, healthcare delivery in Akwa Ibom State is expected to face a significant crisis. Emergency units, intensive care, and routine clinics at UUTH and other government-run hospitals will remain unstaffed until the association’s demands are addressed.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the EFCC has yet to officially respond to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)‘s strike declaration or the billion-naira damage claim as the state government is expected to intervene to prevent a total collapse of the health sector.
