Cross River Government has suspended Dr Offiong Okoho for alleged unprofessional practices leading to the death of Prince Otu-Otu Duke, the Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade on Waste Management.
Duke died on April 3, 2020, after undergoing surgery for hernia at the Covenant Clinic and Maternity owned by Okoho.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu, told reporters on Thursday in Calabar that Okoho has been suspended while his private clinic has been sealed.
Edu said the State Ministry of Health took the decision based on complaints from some patients and clients against Okoho.
The family of the late aide had earlier written a petition against Okoho over the mismanagement of their late brother’s health leading to his dead.
The deceased’s younger brother, Orok Duke, sent the petition to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Uche Anozia, about poor handling of his late brother’s health.
In his petition, Duke alleged that “Dr Offiong did a surgery and mismanaged the deceased’s health in Offiong clinic.
“By the time my brother, who had fallen into a coma (sic) was evacuated and taken to Asi Ukpo Medical Centre for proper medical treatment, he died on April 3, 2020.”
Edu said that investigation into the various allegations against the physician by members of the public was ongoing.
She explained that the suspension was to give way for transparency in the course of investigation.
The commissioner said that a committee had been set up to invite persons or relatives of people who have been victims to testify.
“Shutting down of the hospital is a clear indication that government is doing something.
“The facility has been shut down by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association.
“The first step was to shut down the facility, and investigation is ongoing. And of course, outcome of the committee’s report will determine the sanctions.
“At the same time, Okoho has also been suspended from working at the General Hospital until investigation is over.
“Remember, we can’t just act on what we hear, we must investigate it so that we don’t just punish somebody wrongly. We have reached out to some persons whom he had treated as well.
“Those testimonies would form the background of next line of action to take,” the commissioner said.
When contacted, Okoho told newsmen that as a medical professional, he took an oath to save lives and not otherwise.
He said the deceased, who had a history of diabetes, was brought in for surgery at his clinic on March 25, 2020, adding that the surgery was successfully carried out.
Okoho explained that seven days after, the deceased patient developed partial stroke.
He noted the deceased was then referred to a specialist for appropriate treatment, but the patient refused to go for the referral.
“It was after the situation deteriorated that he was placed on oxygen and finally moved to Asi Ukpo Medical Centre, where he died,” Okoho said.
