Protest at Calabar Hospital as Staff Demand Substantive CMD Appointment

According to workers, the Federal Ministry of Health had issued directives for the commencement of the process to appoint a new CMD. They allege that Dr. Osim, who has been acting in the role, failed to comply with these instructions, opting instead to extend his stay in an acting capacity. This perceived defiance, they say, undermines both the hospital’s governance and the broader health system in the state.

The protesters, comprising doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and support workers, carried placards with inscriptions such as “We need a substantive CMD now!”, “Enough of acting positions”, and “Respect Ministry of Health directives.” They called for the immediate commencement of a transparent and merit-based selection process for a substantive CMD.

One of the protesting staff members stated: We are not against anyone personally, but we believe the hospital deserves a substantive CMD who can make long-term decisions for progress. Acting appointments create instability, and that affects both workers and patients.

Staff expressed concerns that the absence of a substantive CMD has stalled several important projects and initiatives at the hospital. They argue that while an acting CMD may carry out day-to-day management, only a substantive appointment can guarantee consistency in leadership and planning.

Another staff member noted that without a substantive CMD, it is difficult to attract long-term funding, sign off on critical projects, or build partnerships. The hospital is too important to be run without a permanent head.

The Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital is not just a referral center for mental health but also serves as a training institution for medical students, resident doctors, and allied health professionals. Staff argue that administrative lapses caused by the leadership vacuum threaten the hospital’s reputation and its capacity to deliver quality care.

Patients and their relatives who witnessed the protest also expressed concern, fearing that internal administrative conflicts could affect service delivery. We don’t want a situation where patients suffer because of leadership issues, said a patient’s relative who pleaded for quick resolution.

Reports indicate that the Federal Ministry of Health had earlier communicated to Dr. Osim about the need to initiate the appointment process for a substantive CMD. The staff accuse him of deliberately ignoring this directive, which they interpret as a disregard for due process.

According to them, the Ministry’s directive was not just a suggestion but a formal instruction aimed at ensuring smooth governance and accountability within the institution. By failing to comply, they argue, the Acting CMD risks dragging the hospital into unnecessary political and administrative controversies.

This is not the first time that healthcare institutions in Nigeria have been rocked by protests over leadership appointments. Across the country, hospitals have frequently witnessed staff agitations when leadership positions remain vacant for prolonged periods or when acting appointments are extended without clear timelines. Such situations often lead to internal wrangling, loss of staff morale, and disruptions in service delivery.

Observers note that the protest in Calabar reflects a broader issue within Nigeria’s healthcare system: the challenge of timely and transparent leadership appointments in critical institutions. The situation is particularly sensitive in specialized hospitals like Neuro-Psychiatric facilities, where stable leadership is key to maintaining standards of care and training.

While the protesters voiced their grievances loudly, stakeholders within the health sector have called for calm. Some professional associations have urged the Ministry of Health to intervene quickly to prevent escalation. They argue that prolonged leadership disputes could damage the credibility of the hospital.

A senior consultant psychiatrist, speaking anonymously, said: The Ministry must take decisive action. Protests are signs of deep discontent, and in a hospital setting, unrest can easily affect patients. The welfare of both workers and patients must come first.

Some analysts suggest that the controversy may have political undertones, as leadership appointments in government-owned institutions often attract lobbying and factional interests. However, the staff insist that their demands are not politically motivated but are solely focused on ensuring effective hospital management.

They emphasized that their call for a substantive CMD is rooted in the hospital’s need for stability and growth rather than partisan politics.

As of the time of reporting, Dr. Theophilus Osim has not publicly responded to the protest. Attempts by journalists to reach him for comment were unsuccessful. However, insiders suggest that he may argue that he has been carrying out his duties diligently and that the Ministry of Health is in the best position to clarify the status of the appointment process.

Protesting staff members vowed to continue pressing their demands until concrete steps are taken. They urged the Federal Government to act swiftly by setting a clear timeline for the appointment of a substantive CMD and ensuring that the process is transparent, fair, and devoid of external interference.

They also called on civil society groups, professional bodies, and the general public to support their cause, arguing that mental health care is too vital to be jeopardized by administrative delays.

The protest at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Calabar underscores the growing frustration among healthcare workers over leadership uncertainties in government institutions. While the demand for a substantive CMD may seem administrative, its implications are far-reaching, touching on healthcare delivery, staff welfare, patient safety, and public trust in Nigeria’s health system.

As staff members continue to mount pressure, all eyes are now on the Federal Ministry of Health to act decisively. Whether the issue will be resolved quickly or spiral into a prolonged standoff remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the staff are determined not to back down until their demand for a substantive Chief Medical Director is met.