By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, over allegations of ethnic bias in the recruitment of resident doctors.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved on Thursday by Iduma Igariwey, who represents Afikpo North/Afikpo South Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State.
Igariwey cited reports alleging that the CMD rejected 17 newly graduated doctors posted to UCTH by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for housemanship, allegedly because most of them were Igbo. According to him, 15 of the affected doctors are of Igbo extraction.
He said Prof. Ikpeme allegedly refused to reconsider the decision despite appeals from the National Association of Resident Doctors and the Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State chapter, warning that the action violated constitutional provisions against discrimination.
Lawmakers expressed concern that the development could worsen Nigeria’s healthcare manpower shortage and deepen ethnic tensions.
Following deliberations presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House resolved that Prof. Ikpeme be suspended pending investigation to prevent interference with the probe.
The House Committee on Health Institutions was mandated to investigate the allegations and report back within four weeks.
