NMA Benue Condemns Alleged Assault on UUTH Professor, Ekpe, Staff by EFCC Operatives, Calls for Safety of Health Workers

From Dooshima Terkura Makurdi

The Nigerian Medical Association has strongly condemned the alleged assault, harassment and intimidation of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other staff members of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The Chairman of NMA Benue, Dr. Amina Onyewuchi, I a statement she signed alongside the Secretary, Dr. Fanen Dogoh, and the Public Relations Officer, Dr. Chuwan Martins Tersoo, the association described the incident as disturbing, unacceptable and a gross abuse of power.

It was alleged that the operatives assaulted Professor Eyo Ekpe, who is the Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital and a Professor of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, while he was carrying out his official duties.

According to the association, the alleged action amounted to professional misconduct and a direct attack on the dignity and safety of healthcare workers.

NMA Benue expressed concern that a senior academic, surgeon and hospital administrator of Professor Ekpe’s status could allegedly be subjected to degrading treatment within the premises of a tertiary healthcare institution.

It noted that such actions could undermine the morale of healthcare professionals and threaten the smooth delivery of medical services to Nigerians.

The association further noted that no government agency, regardless of its mandate, has the right to intimidate, brutalize or humiliate healthcare workers or invade medical institutions in ways that endanger staff, patients and ongoing clinical activities.

They have therefore, demanded an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the incident, as well as the identification and public disclosure of all EFCC operatives allegedly involved in the assault.

The Benue NMA also called for disciplinary measures and appropriate sanctions against the culpable officers found culpable As well as a formal public apology from the EFCC to Professor Eyo Ekpe, affected staff members and the management of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.

The association also called for assurances from relevant authorities that such incidents would not recur and urged the Federal Ministry of Health, professional associations, civil society organizations and Nigerians to condemn the alleged act and defend the rights, safety and dignity of healthcare workers across the country.

It also stressed that healthcare professionals, who daily work under difficult and hazardous conditions to save lives, should not be subjected to violence, intimidation or institutional harassment.

“Healthcare workers dedicate their lives daily to preserving the lives of Nigerians under often difficult and hazardous conditions.

“Subjecting them to violence, intimidation, and institutional harassment is completely unacceptable and must not be tolerated under any circumstance.

“We remain resolute in demanding justice, accountability, and the protection of all healthcare personnel in the discharge of their professional responsibilities,” the statement added