FG berates conduct of health workers at FMC Owerri

The ministry in a statement signed by the permanent secretary, Mr Linus Awute, said that hooliganism and a breakdown of law and order were what was experienced as the union members put the Federal Medical Centre Owerri, under siege, sacking the MD, management of the hospital and patients in critical conditions under the care of […]

The ministry in a statement signed by the permanent secretary, Mr Linus Awute, said that hooliganism and a breakdown of law and order were what was experienced as the union members put the Federal Medical Centre Owerri, under siege, sacking the MD, management of the hospital and patients in critical conditions under the care of the hospital.
He added that government could not fold its arms in the face of violence, willful damage to government property and impunity perpetrated by some misguided members of the nnions.
“We are determined to demonstrate positive change by visiting strong sanctions on cases of impunity and unsatisfactory conduct recorded in the course of this strike,” he said.
He explained that the crisis commenced when the Medical Director, Dr. Angela Uwakwem tried to initiate a Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement in the institution but was met with resistance from the workers.
The union accused her of high handedness among others and called for her sack through a petition to the Governing Board of the FMC. The board referred the matter of the PPP proposal to its Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC).
He added that the union however did not wait for any response but rather  started protesting, chanting war songs and became generally lawless.
He said, “The crux of the grievances of  the unions include: Objection to the PPP policy as being implemented by the Management of FMC Owerri;    payment of allowances for skipping a salary grade level; the non-promotion of other health professionals from salary CONHESS    14- 15 as directors.