Doctors vs EFCC: UUTH CMD Makes Urgent and Emotional Appeal, Pleads for Suspension of Strike in Negative Healthcare Crisis Tensions

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Prof. Ememabasi Bassey, has made a strong appeal to medical unions in the state to return to their duty posts and resume healthcare services for patients.

This follows a disruption of services after a clash between hospital staff and operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In response, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), and other health bodies withdrew their services, alleging the unlawful arrest and assault of a senior cardiologist, Prof. Eyo Ekpe.

Expressing concern over the impact of the industrial action, the CMD urged the unions to reconsider their position, stressing the urgent need to prioritise patient care amid the ongoing strike.

Speaking at a press briefing, he appealed for restraint and compassion, noting that vulnerable patients, including those in intensive care, accident victims, and newborns, are bearing the brunt of the shutdown.

He said, “We are appealing to our colleagues and unions to consider the human lives involved. Patients are suffering. Newborn babies and critically ill persons are at risk. Whatever grievances we have, human life must come first.

“If not for anything, the Accident and Emergency unit should not be shut, the ICU, even the Special Care Unit for babies, too. My dear union leaders, I plead that you keep these doors open; the harm has already been done, but let us not forget our vulnerable and sick ones.”

Prof. Bassey of UUTH further noted that hospital management, alongside Prof. Ekpe and senior medical staff, has remained on ground to stabilise critical departments and ensure patients already receiving care are not abandoned.

He also called on security agencies to exercise greater restraint in the discharge of their duties, assuring staff that steps have been taken with the intervention of the Health Minister, the Akwa Ibom State Government, and other stakeholders to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

On the controversy surrounding the incident, the CMD explained that the dispute stemmed from attempts to verify a medical report allegedly issued for a suspect under investigation. He stated that the document was found to be fake and did not originate from UUTH.

“Some individuals, working with lawyers or others connected to the suspect, opened a file without proper authorization and produced a fake medical report. Verification processes confirmed that the document was not issued by the hospital,” he added.