University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, anti-graft agency resolve dispute in Akwa Ibom

The industrial action by workers of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital has been suspended, thanks to a truce between the hospital management and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Akwa Ibom State, made possible by the intervention of the Akwa Ibom State Government.

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This breakthrough was achieved at the end of a Joint Stakeholders’ Meeting, convened by the State Government at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo, and chaired by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi.

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The meeting brought together representatives of the State Government, the EFCC, security agencies, the hospital management, the Nigerian Medical Association, JOHESU, NANNM, and other health sector unions, following the directive of Governor Pastor Umo Eno.

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The gathering was a response to the raid incident by EFCC operatives at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, which generated tension and triggered industrial action by health workers.

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Stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable” in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, while condemning the altercation in its entirety.

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The EFCC expressed regret over the incident and apologised to all affected parties, including the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Eyo Ekpe, and the chairmen of JOHESU and NMA, through its representatives at the meeting.

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The anti-graft agency also pledged that a formal apology would be issued by its headquarters and assured stakeholders that such an occurrence would not happen again.

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As part of the resolutions reached, the EFCC and the management of UUTH are to establish effective communication channels to ensure the lawful and professional handling of any ongoing or future investigations involving the institution.

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Stakeholders advised security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and observe due process in matters involving healthcare institutions to avoid disruption of critical medical services.

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The meeting reaffirmed the sanctity of hospitals, stressing that the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and visitors must be respected and protected at all times.

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Participants acknowledged the important role of the EFCC in nation-building and emphasised the need for the Commission to continue to uphold professionalism and accountability to retain public confidence.

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The stakeholders resolved that the government should actively participate in identifying individuals behind the alleged fake medical report connected to the matter and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

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The Akwa Ibom State Government commended the Chairman of the EFCC for ordering an investigation into the incident, as well as the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare for constituting a panel of inquiry.

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The State Government pledged full participation in both inquiries to strengthen institutions and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents, according to the communiqué.

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The health sector unions expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for his timely intervention in resolving the crisis and for his continued support to the healthcare sector.

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In a major outcome of the meeting, all health sector unions agreed to suspend the strike action after consultation with their congresses, in the overriding interest of public health and industrial harmony.

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The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from further media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or prejudicing ongoing engagements.

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A liaison committee comprising representatives of the State Government, UUTH management, the EFCC, and health sector unions is to be constituted to monitor the implementation of the resolutions reached and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

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The meeting ended on a note of optimism, with all stakeholders expressing commitment to peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and collective responsibility towards safeguarding healthcare delivery and sustaining public confidence in public institutions.