The Federal Government has ordered a fresh selection process for the appointment of a Chief Medical Director (CMD) for the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) following investigations that revealed irregularities, graft, and alleged bribery. The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been directed to step into the matter and has summoned the two contenders for the position, Prof Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo and Prof Femi Fasanmade, to explain some transactions in their bank accounts.
Lagos’ healthcare landscape has been rocked by controversy as the Federal Government takes steps to rectify the appointment process for the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Investigations have uncovered irregularities, graft, and alleged bribery, prompting the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to intervene.
The ICPC has summoned Prof Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo and Prof Femi Fasanmade, the two main contenders for the position, to explain certain transactions in their bank accounts. This move comes after the Presidency ordered a fresh selection process for the appointment of a substantive CMD for LUTH due to the questionable nature of the previous process.
The leaked memo from the ICPC to the Federal Ministry of Health reveals that both candidates have been asked to undergo an interview process and provide printed copies of all their bank statements. This development has caused panic among the hospital's management and uncertainty among its staffers.
It is unclear why the previous selection process allowed such grave irregularities to occur. The process to select a substantive CMD for LUTH requires ICPC clearance, and the breaches discovered have raised questions about the integrity of the previous process. Furthermore, the fact that interviews for CMDs of other teaching hospitals were conducted on the same day raises concerns about the hurried and potentially biased nature of the selection.
Tension has been brewing in LUTH for the past two months following the issuance of a letter by the Health Ministry confirming the appointment of Prof Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo as the substantive CMD. However, key stakeholders in the hospital have strongly resisted this appointment, citing discrepancies in the approval process. President Tinubu has expressed his outrage over various controversial actions in the Health Ministry, including multiple appointments of acting CMDs in other federal hospitals.
The selection process for the position of CMD in LUTH initially involved Prof Adeyemo and Prof Fasanmade undergoing an examination and interview. However, Prof Fasanmade lodged a petition with the Presidency and the Health Ministry, challenging the process. He highlighted irregularities and a scoring formula allegedly masterminded by the former Health Minister, Dr Osagie Ehanire, to ensure Prof Adeyemo's appointment as CMD.
The fresh selection process ordered by the Federal Government will hopefully restore transparency and fairness in the appointment of a new CMD for LUTH. The ICPC's involvement and investigation into alleged bribery aims to hold the major actors accountable for their actions. It is crucial for the healthcare system in Lagos, and indeed Nigeria, to have competent and ethically appointed leaders who can drive positive change and provide quality care for patients.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-08 News
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