DUFUTH Passes Vote of Confidence on CMD, Dismisses Allegations of Abuse of Office, others
Ben Onyekachi
The Staff Welfare Association of David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital Uburu (DUFUTH) in Ebonyi state has passed vote of confidence on the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Uzoma Egwu for her proven track records im hospital management, integrity and genuine commitment to public service.
In a solidarity March at Uburu, Ohaozara Council area of the state, the entire staff described the allegations leveled against the CMD for removal of beds, foams, medications and generators from the teaching hospital, corruption and abuse of office as baseless, unfounded and mischievous.
In a communique read during the solidarity march by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Jideofor Ibekwe, they noted that since the inception of DUFUTH, the hospital has been guided by regulations, conventions, extant rules and approved laws guiding the conduct of federal teaching hospitals, under the tutelage of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.
According to Ibekwe: “We frown at the allegations of criminal repurposing of facilities, and the ridiculous claims of removal of beds, foams, medications and generators from the teaching hospital, as well as of corruption and abuse of office, leveled against the CMD”.
“There is no evidence to support this claim, either in picture, print or video and we challenge the accusers to prove us wrong with counter evidence”.
“That we strongly condemn the blockade mounted by the protesters on Monday 24th March, 2024 which demonstrated an alarming lack of empathy and concern for patients seeking medical attention”.
“That the 3-page document presented by the organizers is a pre-conceived can of falsehood to cast aspersion on our hardworking CMD who has spent days and nights within the hospital to nurture the institution from cradle since 2022”.
“We wish to tell the world that since the inception of DUFUTH, the hospital has been guided by regulations, conventions, extant rules and approved laws guiding the conduct of federal teaching hospitals, under the tutelage of our parent Ministry, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, while also consistently demonstrating readiness for clinical training of DUFUHS students with various batches of 300 level students already undergoing/completed training”.
The association expressed dismay that the illegal blockade not only disrupted essential healthcare services but also prevented patients with emergency cases from accessing the hospital.
“Sadly, relatives of patients who went out to source for personal effects were also denied access back into the hospital upon their return, without regard to the care and support to their loved ones”.
“The hospital leadership should be commended for prioritization of the community’s healthcare needs through various outreach programmes, free medical care, free surgeries, screening and drugs to locals as well as the fiscal discipline in the hospital’s finances and operations”, the Association said.
They further called on the federal government to disregard the call for the removal of the CMD, Agwu as the allegations against her was unsubstantiated and lacking in merit.
