ABUJA – The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has ordered a high-level investigation into the recent crisis at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State.
The face – off earlier in the week involved operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force and medical personnel, when the former stormed the medical facility on a fact finding mission that degenerated into fisticuffs and security breaches.
In the meantime, the Minister, who described the development as disturbing and unacceptable, however, called for the immediate suspension of the industrial action embarked upon by medical doctors at the institution.
He warned that prolonged disruption of services could endanger the lives of patients and worsen the already fragile healthcare situation in the hospital.
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW), Pate disclosed that a special investigative panel comprising representatives of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANM), security agencies and relevant stakeholders had been constituted to unravel the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
According to the minister, the committee has been mandated to submit its report within two weeks with recommendations aimed at preventing future recurrence.
“The safety, dignity and professional independence of health workers must be protected at all times.
“Hospitals are sensitive environments and should never become theatres of intimidation, harassment or operational disruptions,” the statement quoted the minister as saying.
The latest intervention followed days of tension at UUTH after alleged invasion of the hospital premises by EFCC operatives reportedly accompanied by armed policemen in pursuit of verification surrounding a suspect linked to an ongoing investigation.
The incident allegedly caused panic within the hospital community, disrupted medical services and provoked outrage among doctors and other health workers, who accused security operatives of violating hospital protocols and endangering patients receiving critical care.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at UUTH had subsequently declared an industrial action to protest what it described as “assault, intimidation and humiliation” of healthcare workers during the operation.
Hospital management, led by the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Emem Bassey, later appealed for calm, lamenting the damage already caused by the incident and cautioning against inflammatory statements capable of further jeopardising patients safety.
Sources within the hospital further disclosed that, the crisis erupted when EFCC tried to whisk off a medical personnel following the refusal by the hospital management to respond to earlier communications over a suspect in their custody.
Attempts by anti-graft operatives to apprehend the individual linked to the investigation escalated into confrontation after medical personnel allegedly resisted the manner the operation was conducted within sensitive clinical areas.
The development has since generated widespread condemnation from professional bodies, labour unions and civil society organisations in Akwa Ibom State.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticised what it termed the “militarisation of healthcare institutions,” insisting that security agencies must observe internationally accepted standards, while operating in medical facilities.
Similarly, the Nigerian Medical Association warned that repeated harassment of health workers could trigger deeper crises in the nation’s health sector, including mass resignations and worsening brain drain.
JOHESU and NANM also demanded guarantees for the protection of healthcare workers, stressing that hospitals should remain safe zones for both patients and professionals.
While appealing to aggrieved workers to return to duty in the interest of patients, the minister assured that the Federal Government would ensure a transparent and impartial investigation.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to restoring confidence within federal health institutions and strengthening collaboration between healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies.
“The Federal Government remains committed to protecting all health workers and ensuring that health institutions continue to function in an atmosphere of peace, professionalism and mutual respect,” the statement added.
