Federal Government shuts down Federal Medical Centre, Owerri

Image: FMC Chief Medical Director, Dr. Mrs Angela Uwakwem

*To re-organise and re-define the rules of engagement

The Federal Government has temporarily shut down Federal Medical Centre [FMC] situated in Owerri, Imo State.

According to Health Minister Isaac Adewole, this is to re-organise and re-define the rules of engagement governing the health institution.

It could be recalled that the Chief Medical Director of the institution, Dr. Mrs Angela Uwakwem has been engaged in a war of management with his staff over an extended period.

Mrs. Uwakwem is hated by a group of FMC staff who relish the old days of loitering, gossiping and nonchalant attitude to work.

The hospital was closed down for some months over some labor leaders insistence that Dr. Uwakwem must be removed over spurious allegations of corruption and other unsubstantiated allegations.

President Muhammadu Buhari, through the offices of the Head of Service of the Federation, the Federal Ministries of Health and Labour and Productivity set up a nine man Investigation Panel to look into the allegations bandied by these grumbling and disgruntled elements within the hospital.

Three of these nine committee members were drawn from the labor unions.

Within the period of the investigation, Dr. Angela Uwakwem was asked to proceed on her annual leave in order to allow a free space for the panel to do its work. 

She handed over to the former head of Clinical Services, Dr. Benneth Ajuonuma who acted as the MD till 16th of October 2015, when he had to retire from service.

The Panel threw its doors open for all parties to present evidences to back up their allegations, while the MD was invited to present her defense. 

Panel members also went on fact finding missions within and outside the hospital to ascertain the real situation of things, as per administration, infrastructure, staff attitudes to work and other things of interest. 

After more than two months of extensive investigations, the panel members unanimously concluded that Dr. Mrs. Angela Uwakwem was a victim of blackmail, lies and high powered leadership tussle within and outside the hospital. 

They recommended that all those involved in accusing her and or smearing her name in the public should apologize to her, while the Federal Ministry recalls her to her duty post.

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