Court convicts patient’s relatives for assaulting UBTH health workers

 

A magistrate court in Edo State, has convicted two brothers for assaulting health workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), over the death of their father. 

 

The brothers had resorted to assaulting some medical personnel who were on duty at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital and also destroyed some properties following the death of their father.

 

In the judgement delivered on 18th November, 2021 by the Egor Magistrate Court II, Evbuoriaria presided over by Justice J. Ogbeide, both Ikechukwu Sunday and his brother Lucas were found guilty on a two count charge of assault and malicious damage to property. They were sentenced to three months imprisonment on both counts with an option of fine.

 

Reacting to the judgement the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Darlignton Ewaen Obaseki reiterated his call on members of the public to stop any form of assault against health workers in the course of performing their duties.

 

The CMD thanked the Deputy Governor of the State Rt. Hon Philip Shaibu who was on ground to broker peace when the health workers threatened to go on strike in the face of incessant attacks by patient relatives. He also appreciated the Commissioner of Police Mr. Philip Ogbadu for his swift response on the day the assault occurred and for diligent prosecution of the case. 

 

A statement by Mr. Joshua Uwaila, Head, Public Relations and Protocols, UBTH, expressed the management’s resolve to do all within its powers to protect staff and students in the performance of their lawful duties, adding that the hospital would not tolerate any assault against its workforce.

 

The CMD further assured members of the public that the hospital would not rest on its oars in its avowed commitment to provide quality healthcare services to its teeming clients.   

 

“Management of UBTH has also encouraged members of staff to continue to render top notch services to patients and clients of the hospital, stating it would not shield any erring staff who is found wanting in the event of the establishment of a case of misconduct or serious misconduct against him/her.” 

 

The statement revealed that three staff of the hospital recently got their appointment terminated after due consideration by the Board of Management for various offences while two others are at various stages of disciplinary investigation to determine their culpability or otherwise with regards to certain allegations bordering on financial impropriety.

 

“Management assures everyone that the Public Service Rules would be adhered to strictly and every matter will be decided on its merit,” the statement further said.