No crisis in Enugu Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital – Medical Director, Igwe

The Medical Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr Monday Igwe has declared that the health institution is currently crisis-free.

Igwe spoke on Tuesday at a press briefing in reaction to the allegations made against him by a coalition of civil society organisations, led by its convener, Comrade Igboke Onyebuchi.

The CSOs had accused Igwe of taking actions inimical to the peace and smooth running of the hospital, as well as the School of Post Basic Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing.

However, Igwe said during the press briefing that all the allegations were unfounded, maintaining that his tenure had instead entrenched peace in the hospital.

He said the media publications were mere imaginations without basis and may have arisen out of hallucinatory experiences of the sponsors.

He disclosed that the issues arising from the suspension of regulatory activities by the NMCN on the School of Basic Psychiatry was being addressed “so that our students who are due to write examinations in November 2023 can do so.

“We are working hard to sort out all pending issues so that the embargo can be lifted. Resolutions were taken in a meeting between the Federal Ministry of Health officials, Registrar, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and Medical Director, FNPH, Enugu, aimed at addressing issues related to the suspension of activities of NMCN in our school.”

He mentioned the new principal officers to include: Mr Afam Ndu, Acting Principal, Mrs Stella Agbo, Acting Vice Principal, Academic and Mr Vitus Nwagu, Acting Vice Principal, Admin.

Igwe further stated that “The day-to-day running of the hospital follows strictly Public Service Rules (PSR) and Financial Regulations (FR) as set out by the Federal Government of Nigeria and supervisory agencies.

“All employment is monitored by the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of Head of Service of the Federation, Federal Character Commission and Board of Management. The Medical Director ensures that due process is strictly followed in both employment and contract awards.

“Approvals for leave of absence and study leave in the past four years are considered and approved during Board of Management meetings. Every case has always been treated strictly according to public service rules without recourse to sentiments or any bias.”

He declared that the staff and management under his leadership were committed to leaving a legacy of giving the best of Mental Health care to the entire South East of Nigeria and neighbours.

“We cannot be distracted as we are convinced that God is on our side. There is no crisis in the hospital,” he stated.