The Akwa Ibom State Government has brokered peace between the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following the recent altercation that disrupted activities at the hospital and triggered industrial action by health workers.
The resolution was reached at a joint stakeholders’ meeting convened by the state government in Uyo, the state capital.
The meeting, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi on the directive of Governor Umo Eno, brought together representatives of the EFCC, UUTH management, security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association, JOHESU, nurses and other health sector unions.
Stakeholders described the incident at UUTH as unfortunate and avoidable, while condemning the conduct that led to tension within the health sector.
Representatives of the EFCC expressed regret over the incident and apologised to the management of UUTH and health unions over the actions of its operatives during the operation at the hospital.
The anti-graft agency also assured stakeholders that steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.
The meeting resolved that both the EFCC and UUTH should establish proper communication channels for handling future investigations professionally without disrupting healthcare services.
Stakeholders further emphasized the sanctity of hospitals and urged security agencies to always exercise restraint and due process in matters involving medical institutions.
Health unions, in turn, commended Governor Umo Eno for his swift intervention and announced the suspension of their strike action in the interest of public health and industrial harmony.
A liaison committee is also to be set up to monitor the implementation of the resolutions reached at the meeting.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
