Medical doctors and health workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State have embarked on an indefinite strike following an operation by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives at the facility.
The EFCC raid, which took place on Tuesday, led to the arrest of some hospital staff over alleged financial irregularities.
The striking workers, under the aegis of the Association of Resident Doctors and other health unions, condemned the EFCC’s action as heavy-handed and disruptive to patient care.
They demanded the immediate release of detained colleagues and an end to what they described as harassment of health professionals.
Management of UUTH expressed concern over the strike, which has paralysed services including emergency care.
Patients and their families were left stranded as the hospital shut its doors. The state government has appealed for calm, promising to engage with all parties to resolve the impasse.
The strike underscores growing tensions between anti-graft agencies and public health institutions.
