Doctor and Pharmacist Under Scrutiny for Alleged Misconduct

Table of Contents

1. Disciplinary Committee for Dr. Matthias Etim
2. Allegations of Absenteeism
3. Pharmacy Unit Accountability
4. Visit from the Health Commissioner
5. Concerns Over Financial Inconsistencies
6. Standardized Pricing for Hospital Services
7. Revitalization of the State’s Central Medical Store

Dr. Matthias Etim, a medical doctor affiliated with Cottage Hospital Ukana in the Essien Udim local government area of Akwa Ibom State, as well as the Head of Pharmacy at the same hospital, is set to appear before a disciplinary committee of the State Ministry of Health due to alleged administrative and professional violations within the facility.

Dr. Etim reportedly failed to attend duty while on call and did not respond to official inquiries issued in accordance with civil service regulations.

The Head of Pharmacy is expected to clarify why his department could not produce essential statutory records, including stock registers, inventory logs, and records of outstanding drug debts.

The Health Commissioner for the state, Dr. Ekem John Emmanuel, issued these directives during a visit to the hospital, accompanied by his team, which included Permanent Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Abraham Inyangudo, Permanent Secretary of the Akwa Ibom Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Arthur Igbemi, and various directors from the Ministry of Health and Hospitals Management Board.

The Commissioner revealed that the Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Ekong Etiebet, had previously briefed him about the extent of professional misconduct at the facility. He added that based on this briefing and the documentary evidence provided, both individuals are to appear before the Senior Staff Management Committee of the Hospitals Management Board for questioning and appropriate disciplinary measures.

He stated, “This inspection visit was based on intelligence reports submitted by the Ministry of Health’s Ombudsman Unit—a public complaints unit established to track and resolve grievances against health workers across the state following the declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector by Governor Umo Eno.

“We need the Committee's report on this matter by the end of next week.”

Reflecting on the results of the tour, the Health Commissioner expressed his concerns regarding financial discrepancies in the hospital, emphasizing that Governor Umo Eno’s administration will not permit such issues to persist. He also ordered the immediate reassignment of the pharmacist in charge of the unit to another government facility pending further administrative review.

John also announced that by mid-January 2026, all pricing for medications, surgical services, and other hospital service charges will be standardized and uniform across all government hospitals.

“A patient should not have to pay ₦70,000 for a procedure in one government hospital and ₦150,000 for the same service in another. Uniform pricing will prevent overbilling and protect patients,” he remarked.

The Commissioner additionally revealed that Governor Eno has mandated the immediate revitalization and reactivation of the State’s Central Medical Store.

“All government hospitals will henceforth procure drugs exclusively from the State Central Medical Store, putting an end to sourcing from external vendors. It will be considered an offense for any government hospital to purchase drugs outside the approved supply chain,” he stated.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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