The Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, has condemned the conduct of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing their recent operation at the hospital as unprofessional and disruptive.
The CMD stated this during a press conference at the hospital in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Calm may have returned to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, but tension surrounding the EFCC operation at the facility still lingers.
What began as an enforcement mission escalated into confusion after operatives of the anti-graft agency arrived at the hospital in an attempt to arrest the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Eyo Ekpe.
Reacting to the development, the Chief Medical Director, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, described the operation as alarming and inconsistent with acceptable standards, particularly within a sensitive healthcare environment.
At the centre of the controversy, Professor Eyo Ekpe, who was the target of the operation, also faulted the manner in which the EFCC carried out the exercise, insisting that due process was not followed.
However, the EFCC, in a statement, maintained that its operatives were at the hospital strictly to verify the authenticity of a medical report concerning a suspect, denying any intention to disrupt hospital activities.
The Commission further alleged that its officers were attacked and pelted with stones by some hospital staff during the operation.
Meanwhile, health sector unions at the hospital say the environment is no longer conducive for their members to work.
As of the time of filing this report, hospital staff had yet to resume duties, raising concerns over the safety and wellbeing of patients.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
