…issue 48 hours ultimatum amidst safety concerns
By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State Branch, NMA-AKS, has strongly condemned the assault on a member of the Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, describing the attack as barbaric and a direct threat to healthcare delivery in the state.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman; Dr. Tiemah Akpabio, Secretary; Dr. Ndifreke Ataide, and Public Relations Officer; Dr. Utomobong Udo, the association said the unprovoked assault occurred while the doctor was on official duty at the hospital.
NMA-AKS said such acts of violence against healthcare workers are unacceptable and undermine efforts to provide quality medical services to residents of Akwa Ibom and beyond.
“Doctors and other health workers deserve to work in a safe and secure environment devoid of intimidation and assault,” the statement read.
“This act of violence against a healthcare worker is barbaric, unacceptable, and a direct threat to healthcare delivery in our dear state.”
Following an Emergency General Meeting held virtually on September 2, 2026, the Association of Resident Doctors, UUTH, ARD-UUTH, resolved to embark on an indefinite strike with effect from 8:00am on the same day.
NMA-AKS said the industrial action, though regrettable, became inevitable due to what it described as the continued failure to guarantee the safety of medical personnel in the facility.
The association has given relevant security agencies and the management of UUTH 48 hours from the date of the release to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrators of the assault.
“We hereby demand that relevant security agencies and the Management of UUTH within 48 HOURS of this release, identify, apprehend, and bring the perpetrators of this assault to book,” NMA-AKS stated.
Beyond punitive action, the association is also demanding the immediate implementation of adequate security measures across all health facilities in the state. It said the measures must cover the protection of healthcare workers, patients, and hospital property to prevent a recurrence.
NMA-AKS declared full solidarity with ARD-UUTH, insisting that an attack on one doctor is an attack on the entire medical profession in the state.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. We will not fold our arms while our members are attacked for rendering selfless service to humanity,” the statement added.
The indefinite strike by resident doctors is expected to disrupt medical services at UUTH, one of the major tertiary health institutions in the South-South region. Patients who rely on the hospital for specialized care may be forced to seek alternatives as the strike continues.
The association called on the UUTH Management and all stakeholders to act swiftly to resolve the crisis and restore normalcy to healthcare services.
“We call on the UUTH Management, and all stakeholders to act swiftly to resolve this issue and restore normalcy to healthcare services in the state,” NMA-AKS urged.
As of the time of filing this report, the management of UUTH had not issued an official response to the demands.
The development adds to growing concerns nationwide over the safety of healthcare workers, with medical associations in several states previously raising alarm over attacks on doctors and nurses in hospitals.
