Staff Protest at Calabar Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Over Delay in Appointing Substantive CMD

Also Read

 

Calabar, Cross River State — Staff members of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar staged a peaceful protest on Monday against the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD), Dr. Theophilus Osim, accusing him of disobeying a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health to commence the process for appointing a substantive CMD.

The demonstration was organised by the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI). Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans within the hospital premises, demanding full compliance with the ministry’s instructions.

According to the union, Dr. Osim, who has held the position in an acting capacity since March 2024, allegedly failed to act on a May 14, 2025 directive from the ministry mandating the advertisement of the substantive CMD position within six weeks.

The workers also accused the acting CMD of victimisation, intimidation, and administrative high-handedness.

Speaking during the protest, SSAUTHRIAI Sector Chairman, Mr. Ken Bassey, said the union had exercised restraint for months but could no longer remain silent.

“We have exercised patience for too long, but enough is enough,” Bassey said. “The ministry gave a clear directive, yet it has not been carried out. Instead, staff are being harassed, issued queries, suspended, denied salaries, or even jailed for speaking out. This is executive rascality.”

He urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health to intervene urgently to protect workers’ rights and restore due process in the hospital’s leadership structure.

In his response, Dr. Osim denied the allegations, insisting that he had not disregarded the directive.

“It is not true that I refused to advertise the position,” he said. “The matter is already before the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, and we are following due process.”

He dismissed the accusations of high-handedness, describing his actions as lawful administrative measures. He also called for calm and dialogue.

“At the end of the day, we will all sit at the table to resolve these issues,” Dr. Osim said.

The protest comes amid growing agitation among staff over leadership uncertainty at the federal health institution, which plays a key role in providing mental health care in the South-South region.