By ALABA OLUSOLA OKE

‎The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Teaching Hospital (FUTATH), says there is no automatic absorption of University of Medical Sciences, Akure (UNIMEDTH) staff.

Prof. Olusegun Ojo, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the teaching hospital, said the agreement between the state government and the Federal Government did not stipulate automatic absorption of staff.

Ojo, who stated this at a news conference on Monday in Akure, attributed the recent protest by some workers to misinformation over the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

According to him, the MOU never guaranteed automatic absorption of every existing worker into the federal establishment.

“The MoU clearly states that only those found suitable would be selected. That is exactly what we have done with diligence and fairness.

“Some people were wrongly informed that everyone would automatically be absorbed into the new hospital, and that is completely untrue,” he said.

The CMD also said the Federal Government had approved a take-off establishment of 1,200 personnel for FUTATH, marking a major milestone in the transition of the institution into a full-fledged federal teaching hospital.

He announced that the teaching hospital was working towards placing the approved workers on the Federal Government payroll by the end of August.

‎“More than 800 workers were captured during the first phase of the IPPIS enrolment exercise held in June.

“A mop-up exercise was conducted in Abuja on July 9 for those who missed the initial exercise due to communication challenges and other issues.

“I had hoped that everyone would be captured during the June exercise so salaries could commence by the end of July.

“Unfortunately, that was not possible because many staff still required capturing. Now that the mop-up has been completed, we are working towards commencing payment by the end of August,” Ojo said.

He noted that Ondo State Government continued to bear the burden of salary payments pending the hospital’s full transition to the Federal Government payroll.

‎The CMD condemned the disruption of hospital activities during the recent protests, saying hospitals should remain peaceful environments because of the critical services provided to patients.

‎“It is disappointing that educated people would disrupt the peace of a hospital. If there are concerns about the leadership, there are established channels for addressing them.

“Hospitals care for cancer patients, people with severe infections and patients awaiting surgery.

‎“The hospital received complaints of alleged job racketeering involving fake employment letters issued before I assumed office, management is compiling evidence and will petition the appropriate authorities where necessary.

“Although the approved staff strength of 1,200 remains below the hospital’s long-term manpower needs, the institution has already attracted experienced doctors, surgeons and nurses from other teaching hospitals to strengthen clinical services.

“Efforts are ongoing to secure the hospital’s take-off grant, procure critical medical equipment and implement a five-year development plan for the hospital permanent site,” he said. (NAN)

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