Calabar Psychiatric Hospital denies sponsoring thugs to attack protesters
Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Clarifies Role in Medical Director Appointment Process
CALABAR, Nigeria — The management of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital has issued a statement distancing itself from the ongoing appointment process for a new medical director. Officials urged individuals with grievances to direct their complaints to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
In the statement released on Tuesday, the hospital clarified that interviews for the position were conducted by the federal ministry in Abuja on June 11, rather than by the local management. The statement emphasized that no official results have been announced.
This clarification comes in response to allegations related to a protest that recently took place at the facility concerning the appointment process. The hospital asserted that it was not responsible for the circumstances leading to the complaints.
Management expressed concern that protests within a psychiatric hospital could disrupt essential healthcare services and pose risks to patients receiving specialized treatment.
Additionally, the hospital refuted claims that its acting medical director incited violence during Friday’s demonstration, labeling these allegations as false and intended to damage the institution’s reputation.
According to the statement, prior intelligence indicated the possibility of unrest during the protest, prompting management to alert the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services. Consequently, security personnel were deployed in anticipation of the protesters’ arrival.
Hospital officials instructed staff to remain calm and avoid confrontation. The protest reportedly lasted less than ten minutes and concluded peacefully, with no reported incidents of violence against demonstrators.
The management cited experiences from the 2020 EndSARS protests, during which the facility suffered looting and injuries to staff, as a reason for the heightened security measures.
The hospital has informed the relevant security agencies about the allegations and welcomed an independent investigation into the matter. It reiterated its commitment to providing quality healthcare and maintaining collaboration with the Cross River State Government.
