Gombe Medical Association denounces intimidation of University Teaching Hospital employees by anti-graft agency personnel

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The Nigerian Medical Association, Gombe State Branch, on Friday, condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation, and assault of Professor Eyo Ekpe and other staff members of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

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On Tuesday, operatives of the EFCC stormed UUTH and arrested Eyo Ekpe, a professor of cardiothoracic surgery, and some other staff.

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Videos circulating online showed workers, patients and visitors scampering for safety within the hospital premises after teargas canisters were dispersed.

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The incident sparked outrage on social media as many Nigerians criticised the officers of anti-graft agency for shooting teargas canisters at a medical facility.

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However, the EFCC’s head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, defended the operation, saying the officers only visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report presented by a suspect who has been remanded over allegations of defrauding multiple microfinance banks, including the University of Uyo Microfinance Bank.

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The association described the incident as “unfortunate, unacceptable, and a serious violation of the dignity, safety, and professional integrity of healthcare personnel.”

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The position was contained in a statement issued after a State Officers Committee meeting led by the Chairman of the NMA Gombe State Branch, Dr. Ahmad-Adamu Girbo.

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According to the statement, Professor Eyo Ekpe, the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH and a renowned cardio-thoracic surgeon, alongside other healthcare workers, was allegedly subjected to harassment and intimidation within the hospital premises while carrying out official duties.

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The association expressed concern that such actions could negatively affect healthcare delivery and the morale of medical personnel.

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“NMA Gombe described the incident as unfortunate, unacceptable, and a serious violation of the dignity, safety, and professional integrity of healthcare personnel,” the statement read.

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The association further stressed that no security or government agency should conduct operations in a manner capable of disrupting clinical activities or endangering patients and healthcare workers.

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“No security or government agency, regardless of its statutory responsibilities, should operate in a manner that disrupts clinical activities, endangers patients and staff, or humiliates healthcare workers carrying out lawful duties,” the statement added.

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The medical association called for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the alleged incident, urging authorities to identify officers involved and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures where necessary.

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It also demanded a formal apology and compensation for Professor Ekpe, the affected staff members, and the management of the teaching hospital.

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The association called on the Federal Ministry of Health, professional bodies, civil society organisations, and Nigerians to speak against harassment and intimidation targeted at healthcare workers across the country.

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“NMA Gombe State Branch remains committed to advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of healthcare workers in the discharge of their duties,” the statement stated.

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