According to a published reports in The Nation newspaper, the Chief Medical Director of the Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Zakari Aliyu, is to appear before the Medical and Dental tribunal. He is accused of divulging information on the health of Governor Danbaba Suntai, contrary to the legal ethics of the profession.
Nine other doctors are also expected to appear before the Dr. Jonathan Azubuike-led Tribunal.
The tribunal, which began case hearings yesterday in Aliyu, will continue for the next two days. It is expected to hear 10 cases.
Speaking before the trial, Dr. Azubuike restated the power of the tribunal, which he said has the status of the High Court. “The judgment of this Tribunal can be appealed only before the Court of Appeals,” he said.
Other doctors expected to appear before the tribunal were hit with other charges not related to the Aliyu case. Yet, in the close-knit world of the Nigerian medical profession, all of the doctors here are familiar with one another. The doctors are: David Emmanuel Udo, Godwin Ugbam, Friday Samuel Wokoma, Temitope Gabriel Onile, Nzurumike Charles Nnanna, Danmusa Ademu Ochala, Omotayo Oluwadamilola Akinro, Theophilus Maksha Dabkana, Dafe T. Adiki and, Udezue Nnameka Obumneme.
The case involving Dr. Mijinyawa Dujuri Ibrahim was dropped at the request of the plaintiff.
Aliyu is facing a one-count charge of ‘divulging information’ regarding the health records of Suntai, which was widely published by a number of Nigerian media houses.
According to the charge, Aliyu conducted himself “infamously in a way (that displayed a lack of) respect, contrary to rule 44 of the code of Medical Ethics” in the Nigeria 2008 edition. It is punishable under Section 16(1)(a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M8 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Udo is facing a four-count charge bordering on malpractice, (the) divulging of medical records of a patient, and unethical practice.
Ugbam is facing a three-count charge bordering on negligence, and failure to keep record of a patient he operated on.
The charge sheet reads in part: “You have conducted yourself infamously (and not) in a professional (manner, lacking) respect contrary to the provision of rule 14.2 of the code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria, and (this offense is) punishable under section 16(1)(a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M8 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Dr. Wokoma, a consultant with the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, is facing a one count charge of ‘negligence of duty,’ in the case of a patient, Mr. Victor Afego, who was admitted into the unit under his (Wokoma) care.
Onile, Nnanna, and Ochala are facing one-count charges of ‘negligence of duty.’ Onile and Nnanna are consultants to the public facility. Professionally they hold high positions as consultants, working as obstetrician and gynecologists, respectively, at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja.
Ochala is the Head of Department, a consultant, and a senior medical Officer in the Centre.
The three are alleged to have failed to pick-up their calls to attend to a patient, Mrs. Eleojo Justina Colins, (now deceased) who was admitted under their care, and who required ‘urgent surgical intervention.’ The patient died on January 28, 2012.
They are charged under Rule 29 and 43 of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition, and punishable under Section 16(1)a and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap.M8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Dr Akinro was also charged with ‘negligence of duty’ in the same case. He was alleged to have suspended the passage of a Foley’s Catheter and proceeded to administer Misoprostol, instead, without prior consultation with the consultant, and the senior medical officer on duty.
According to the charge sheet Akinjo is accused to have conducted himself “infamously and in a unprofessional (manner,) contrary to rule 29, 29.4(c) and 29.4(f) of the code of medical ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition.” It is a serious offense, and punishable under section 16(1) (a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap.M8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. If convicted, Akinjo’s medical career would be permanently suspended.
Dr. Dabkana is accused of “ignoring requests” made by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel in the course of its investigation. The allegation of “professional misconduct” made against him comes from one Ayuba Kwagui Alamson.
Dr. Adiki, an employee of the Delta State government, is a Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon at the Central Hospital, Warri. He is accused of ‘abandoning his duty post’ for his privately owned medical facility known as the Bendel Clinic.
He is standing trial under rule 49.1(a) of the code of Medical ethics in Nigeria 2008 Edition, and punishable under section 16(1)(a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap.M8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Ibrahim is accused of “negligence” over the death of a patient, Mrs. Hadiza Abdulkarim. He was, however, discharged as the complainant showed no interest to continue with the case against him.
Up Nijaaaaaa!
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