Doctor and Pharmacist Summoned Over Professional Misconduct in Akwa Ibom
The healthcare sector in Akwa Ibom State is currently under scrutiny following the decision of the Ministry of Health to initiate disciplinary proceedings against a medical doctor and a pharmacist. This move, announced on January 9, 2026, highlights the state government’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards and ensuring accountability within its medical facilities. The summons comes on the heels of a visit by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, to a state-owned hospital where several administrative and professional breaches were reportedly discovered.
The Root of the Disciplinary Action
The controversy began at a state hospital managed by the Hospital Management Board (HMB). During an unannounced inspection, the Commissioner for Health, accompanied by senior ministry officials, discovered that certain key personnel were not at their duty posts despite being officially “on call.”
The primary figure in this investigation is Dr. Matthias Etim, a medical officer who was allegedly absent from duty without authorization. According to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Ekong Etiebet, the doctor’s absence was not only a breach of professional ethics but was also followed by a blatant refusal to respond to official queries. In the civil service, a “query” is a formal request for an explanation regarding a lapse in duty; ignoring such a document is considered a serious act of insubordination.
Allegations Against the Pharmacist
While the doctor’s case centers on absenteeism and insubordination, the pharmacist involved faces allegations related to administrative misconduct. Although the specific details of the pharmacist’s breaches have not been fully publicized, the Ministry has indicated that they involve procedural lapses that could potentially compromise the efficiency of drug distribution and patient safety within the facility.
The Commissioner for Health emphasized that these actions were uncovered through the Ombudsman Unit, a public complaints mechanism established by Governor Umo Eno to track and resolve grievances against health workers. This unit has become a vital tool in the state’s “State of Emergency” on health, ensuring that the public has a voice in monitoring healthcare delivery.
The Disciplinary Process: What Happens Next?
The accused healthcare professionals have been directed to appear before the Senior Staff Management Committee of the Hospitals Management Board. This committee acts as an investigative panel to determine the extent of the misconduct. In Nigeria, the disciplinary framework for medical professionals is governed by:
- The Medical and Dental Practitioners Act: Which oversees the conduct of doctors through the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
- The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) Act: Which regulates the ethical practice of pharmacists.
Depending on the findings, the sanctions could range from a formal reprimand or suspension to the total revocation of their practicing licenses if the breaches are deemed “gross professional misconduct.”
Upholding Patient Safety and Professionalism
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reiterated that there is no room for “quackery” or “negligence” in its health sector. The Commissioner’s visit was part of a broader strategy to ensure that tax-funded hospitals are actually serving the people. “We need the report of the committee on this matter before the end of next week,” Dr. John stated, signaling a swift resolution to the case.
For patients, this disciplinary action serves as a reassurance that their welfare is being prioritized. Professionalism in the medical field is not just about clinical skill; it is about reliability, presence, and adherence to the administrative rules that keep the healthcare system functioning.
Conclusion
The summoning of a doctor and pharmacist in Akwa Ibom is a clear message to all healthcare providers in Nigeria: the era of impunity is over. As the state government continues its reform of the health sector, accountability will remain the cornerstone of its policy. All eyes are now on the Hospitals Management Board as they prepare to deliberate on the fate of the accused officials.
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