FROM SAMSON ALFA, MINNA
Medical Director, MD, Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Bida, Niger State, Dr Abubakar Usman, said the recent petition alleging poor performance by the hospital is baseless and unfounded.
Usman, who was responding to the recent petition by some groups, “titled request for the removal of Dr Usman Abubakar as medical Director of FMC Bida”, said the petitioners are far from the truth on the functions and activities of the center.
According to him, their alleged claims of unprecedented departure of key consultant doctors, poor management, dysfunctional equipment, CT scan machines, dialysis and non-functional oxygen plants are an imaginary tendency to satisfy their selfish interest.
The medical director, while responding to the allegations, said as a public figure, he is subject to scrutiny, criticism and disagreement over the mass exodus of consultants from the hospital.
“We have 60 consultants as against 39 in 2021 when I assumed office. They offer services in various specialities and sub- specialties.
“Also the application of seven other consultants are awaiting waiver for recruitment in 2025. There is also an increase in the number of other professionals like nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, laboratory scientists in the last three years.”
On the alleged neglect of key medical equipment, he explained that it is far from the truth. The hospital has six functional dialysis machines and a new one is to be installed soon.
The medical director disclosed that plan is underway to procure a new CT scan machine with five years maintenance contract, adding that the petitioners claims of non- functional oxygen plants is unfounded.
“Oxygen plants were procured and installed on August 28, 2021, while the one donated by the federal ministry of health and social welfare was installed on November 9, 2022.
“I will like to inform you that since the installation of the first plant, the hospital has been the major supplier of oxygen to the entire state and has not procured from any vendor. The second oxygen plant sited at IBB Hospital supplies Minna General Hospital, Jumai Babangida Maternal and Neonatal Hospital Minna and other private hospitals in the state,” he pointed out.
Usman, however, disclosed that the only challenge facing the hospital is inadequate bed space and expressed commitment to uphold the highest standard of medical excellence.
