By Uko Etim, UYO
The industrial action embarked upon by workers of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, has been suspended following a truce between the hospital management and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Akwa Ibom State.
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The suspension became possible following the intervention by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The resolution was reached at the end of a Joint Stakeholders’ Meeting convened by the State Government at the Old EXCO Chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo.
The meeting, which followed the directive of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, was chaired by the Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, and brought together representatives of the State Government, the EFCC, security agencies, management of UUTH, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), JOHESU, NANNM, and other health sector unions.
The meeting was convened following the raid incident by the EFCC operatives at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, which generated tension within the health sector and triggered industrial action by health workers.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, stakeholders described the incident as “unfortunate and entirely avoidable,” while condemning the altercation in its entirety.
The EFCC, through its representatives at the meeting, expressed regret over the incident and apologised to all affected parties, including the Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Prof. Eyo Ekpe; JOHESU Chairman, Mr Akanubong Asuquo; NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter; and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), over what was described as the unruly conduct of its operatives during the operation at the hospital.
The anti-graft agency further assured stakeholders that a formal apology would be issued by its headquarters and pledged that such an occurrence would not happen again.
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.
Stakeholders also advised security and law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and observe due process in matters involving healthcare institutions in order to avoid disruption of critical medical services.
The meeting reaffirmed the sanctity of hospitals and stressed that the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and visitors must be respected and protected at all times.
Participants further 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.
The stakeholders also 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.
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.
According to the communiqué, the State Government pledged full participation in both inquiries to strengthen institutions and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
Meanwhile, 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, particularly through improved welfare packages and allowances for healthcare professionals.
In what was widely regarded as a major outcome of the meeting, all health sector unions agreed, in the overriding interest of public health and industrial harmony, to suspend the strike action after consultation with their congresses.
The meeting also resolved that all parties should refrain from further media exchanges capable of escalating tensions or prejudicing ongoing engagements.
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.
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.
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