*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,* President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria. 23/0...
*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,*
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Rock Presidential Villa,
Abuja, Nigeria.
23/09/2024.
Your Excellency,
I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires urgent action: the inauguration of the board of governing council for every federal teaching hospital in Nigeria.
Permit me to again send my congratulatory message to you on your successful inauguration as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, congratulations once again Sir.
The absence of these governing boards has led to unchecked abuses of power by some Chief Medical Directors (CMDs), who are operating with impunity and flouting rules and regulations. A glaring example is the situation at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), where the current CMD Prof. John Akintunde Okeniyi engaged in the illegal disengagement of legally employed staff, Prof. Okeniyi has turned a once-thriving institution into a shadow of its former self. This action has not only violated the rights of the affected staff but also undermined the morale of the remaining employees.
The consequences of not having governing boards in place are far-reaching. The staff are left feeling disenfranchised and powerless, with no recourse to address their grievances. This has led to a decline in productivity, low morale, and a lack of accountability. Moreover, the hospitals' reputation and effectiveness in providing quality healthcare services are compromised.
Mr. President, inaugurating these boards will have a transformative impact. It will restore accountability and ensure CMDs are answerable to a higher authority, preventing abuses of power. Aside this, it will protect staff rights which will provide a safeguard against illegal disengagement as witnessed in OAUTHC and other continuous unfair treatment across majority of the hospitals. Also, this will promote good governance where transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness in hospital management can be achieved.
Furthermore, the governing boards will provide strategic guidance, oversight, and support to the hospitals. They will ensure compliance with established policies, regulations, and standards which will eventually lead to improved healthcare services, enhanced patient satisfaction, and better outcomes.
However, I am pleased with the efforts put in establishing same for tertiary institutions. I am aware that the Federal Government has already completed steps in constituting governing councils for tertiary institutions, including federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This move I know is aimed to ensure effective management that will restore accountability, protect staff rights, and promote good governance but my surprised is after months of inauguration of such good gesture, same have not been extended to the hospital.
I urge you to use your good office to prioritize this matter, ensuring that federal teaching hospitals are managed with integrity and respect for the law. The staff and patients deserve nothing less. Your prompt action will demonstrate your commitment to good governance, accountability, and the well-being of Nigerians.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Yours Faithfully,
*Samson Falope*
A Concerned Nigerian
+2348132475182
samsonfalope@gmail.com
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