Medical, dental consultants ask FMC workers to resume work

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN)  has appealed to staff of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign in the hospital.

It also said those with genuine grievances and complaints should follow due process in seeking redress.

This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen and signed  by the President , Secretary and Publicity Secretary  of the union, Professor Sani Garko, Dr Abdulkadir Rafindadi and Dr  Kunle Adesokan respectively at the end of their meeting in Kaduna State at the weekend.

The statement noted that “It is pertinent to remind all concerned that health emergency is no respecter of persons and can occur at any time. It is therefore in the interest of all to get the hospital functioning again; and the time to do that is now.”

While  condemning the continued protest by a section of the paramedical workers in the hospital over the recall by the Federal Government of its medical director, Dr Angela Uwakwem, It noted with dismay that ordinary people have suffered in the crisis.

MDCAN wishes to note that the escalating crisis in the hospital, a prime centre for specialist care in the state, continues to deprive the citizens and people of the Imo State access to quality health care.

“It is public knowledge that the Medical Director, Dr. Angela Uwakwem, who had been on leave to allow for detailed and unfettered investigation into allegations against her by members of this same union currently causing this crisis, was recalled by the Federal Government of Nigeria having been cleared of any wrong-doing by a high-powered federal government committee.

“MDCAN believes in the rule of law, which has been diligently followed in the instant case and totally condemns this resort to brigandage, lawlessness and attempt to force the hand of the government by some members of staff of the hospital.”

Allowing this behaviour to subsist is a recipe for anarchy in the Nation’s public service!

The MDCAN therefore strongly calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to bring the full weight of the law to bear and promptly institute appropriate measures to immediately restore calm and guarantee security in the hospital, to allow resumption of normal services to patients and other clients.