JOHESU, NANNM Seek Tinubu's Intervention in Enugu Psychiatric Hospital Crisis

Labour unions at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Enugu (FNHE), have asked President Bola Tinubu to help resolve the brewing crisis in the health institution arising from the suspension of the Medical Director, Prof. Monday Nwite Igwe.

The unions under the auspices of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), National Association of

Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), and Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) made the appeal in a letter dated March 5, addressed to the president.

In the letter signed by the branch Chairman of JOHESU, Obinna Eze, NANNM Chairman, Eric Ugwu, Association of Resident Doctors FNHE branch, Dr. Ezea Christian and Chairman MDCAN in FNHE, Dr. Nnabuchi Jane, the unions urged Tinubu to ensure transparent reinstatement by demanding a detailed report.

According to the labour groups, Igwe was suspended on September 20 last year over allegations by a civil society organisation without proper investigation.

They lamented that despite full cooperation, they have not received feedback from the Ministry of Health's investigation team.

The s unions said that Igwe, who is known for his dedication and compassion, should receive fair treatment and respect, not unfounded accusations and unfair penalties.

“Despite our unwavering cooperation, we find ourselves in a distressing situation where there has been a deafening silence from the ministerial investigation team and the Ministry of Health regarding the outcome of their inquiry.

“Moreover, the ‘indefinite suspension’ was changed to further suspension on January 26, with an added three months extension till 23 of March, 2024, without recourse to the public service rule that borders on suspension in line with transparent justification and establishment of a prima facie case. “We consider the administrative infraction cynical. It has only exacerbated our concerns that justice most likely will be denied in this case,” the group said.

It implored the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to reconsider its decision and afford Igwe the dignified treatment he deserves as one of the highest performing hospital administrators when compared to his predecessors from the same hospital.