Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) Cross River State branch has given reasons why they will reject the outcome and recommendations of the panel of enquiry constituted by the management of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
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The branch made their mind known in communique she released after an emergency general meeting held on 17th September, 2019 at Zoo Garden Hotel, Calabar.
Read below:
We would have commended the UCTH Management for setting up a panel of enquiry to investigate the incident of 5th September, 2019. We however are compelled to reject the outcome and recommendations of the panel before it is concluded for the following reasons:
- Headship: The panel is headed by a Medical Doctor, considering that Clinicians constitute one of the disputing parties. To avoid conflict of interest the panel should have been headed/chaired by a neutral Professional. Obviously, there are other highly qualified and capable professionals outside Medicine and Medical Laboratory Science within and without UCTH.
- Composition: The official appointment letter of the panel had seven members listed. The Management covertly increased the membership to eight; four Medical Doctors, two Medical Laboratory Scientists, one Biochemist and one Administrator. One would have thought a panel of this nature based on international best practices should have equal members of the disputing Professionals/Professions and a cross section of other Professionals in the health sector, for the purpose of equity, justice and fairness.
- Replacement: One of the Medical Laboratory Scientist in the panel was replaced under questionable circumstances.
From the foregoing we, AMLSN CRS Branch, want to put it on record that we have lost faith and confidence in the Panel to be equitable, just and fair in the discharge of its responsibility.
