Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has ordered the immediate suspension of the chief medical director (CMD) at the Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital and four doctors who stayed away from work.
Zulum had on Tuesday met no doctors on duty during unscheduled visits to some hospitals in Maiduguri, the state capital.
A government official had said Zulum was shocked not to have found a medical doctor on duty around 1 am at Umaru Shehu Ultra-Modern Hospital.
“When the governor made a phone call to about 10 doctors on duty to ask why they were absent, none picked the calls,” the official said.
A statement by the governor’s office on Wednesday said the CMD, Dr Audu Usman, had been suspended ‘for his failure of leadership’.
“The affected doctors include Dr. Musa Chuwang and Dr. Chijioke Ibemere who absented themselves while on call has also been suspended.
“Dr. Baba Ali Malgwi, who was second on call, was suspended over his inability to respond to telephone calls during the Governor’s visit.
“At the same time, frantic attempt to reach him was impossible even when he lives within the doctors’ quarters located around the hospital,” the statement said.
“Similarly, Dr Esther of the Pediatrics department, who was supposed to be on duty, was found absent and also suspended.
“All medical doctors attached to the accident and emergency unit are to be queried for their absence and the lack of duty roaster.”
The governor also ordered the CMD of Borno State Hospitals Management Board to comply with his directive and take measures to ensure all gaps are filled.
