STAFF PROTEST AT CALABAR HOSPITAL, DEMAND APPOINTMENT OF SUBSTANTIVE CMD

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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA

Personnel of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar, Cross River State, conducted a demonstration on Monday against the Acting Chief Medical Director, Dr. Theophilus Osim, accusing him of disregarding a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health to commence the process of appointing a permanent CMD.

The protest, coordinated by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Associated Institutions, witnessed workers displaying placards and chanting slogans as they called for action.

The demonstrators contended that Dr. Osim, who has been in an acting role since March 2024, neglected a May 14, 2025, instruction from the ministry to announce the permanent CMD position within a six-week timeframe. They also accused him of victimization, intimidation, and authoritarianism in his professional conduct.

Ken Bassey, the sector chairman of SSAUTHRIAI, criticized the acting CMD for managing the hospital with what he termed “executive recklessness,” asserting that employees had received arbitrary queries, had their salaries withheld, were suspended, or even jailed for voicing their concerns.

“We have shown patience for too long, but this has gone beyond limits,” Bassey stated. “The ministry issued a clear directive, yet it remains unheeded. ”

In response to the accusations, Dr. Osim refuted any misconduct, asserting that the procedure for the permanent appointment was already in progress.

“It is inaccurate to claim that I refused to promote the position,” he stated. “The matter is currently with the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, and we are adhering to proper procedures. ”

He also dismissed the assertions of authoritarianism, characterizing his actions as lawful, while urging the union to pursue peace and dialogue.

“At the conclusion of this matter, we will all convene to resolve these issues,” he remarked.