The Delta state Ministry of Health has denied and decried the allegation published in an online media that the Delta state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara, Slapped a female nurse while on an inspection of one of the state owned hospitals.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Daniel Omodon reads:
“I am constrained to respond to the publication pasted on your website (not Blank NEWS Online) on the 1st of April, 2012 alleging that the Delta Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara, Slapped a female nurse at the Central Hospital, Warri.
“As a member of the Commissioner’s entourage on that fateful day, I wish to make it clear that Dr. Otumara cannot condescend to the level of slapping his staff no matter the degree of provocation.
“The Commissioner was on a fact-finding visit to the Hospital with a view to fashioning out measures that would enhance hospital operations across the state.
“During the visit, the Nurse attached to the ward in the hospital, instead of conducting herself properly was engrossed in a loud telephone conversation which caused a huge distraction and embarrassment to the team.
“The Commissioner who noted her activity called her to order and chastised her after which she profusely apologized for her misconduct and indiscretion.
“It is then totally incorrect and laughable for anyone for anyone to allege that the Commissioner slapped the same nurse who having realized her mistake apologized to the Commissioner.
“It will also interest you to note that the proposed strike by the Warri chapter of the National association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has been called off when the association discovered that the allegation was baseless.
“Dr. Otumara is a man of integrity who has distinguished himself in public service over the years and the unfortunate incident we are witnessing now is the work of some miscreants who are bent on tarnishing his enviable record.
“The Commissioner is committed to revitalizing the health industry and no amount of blackmail or lies would make him soft-pedal.
“We appeal to you not to allow this group of misguided individuals continue to use your medium to feed unsuspecting members of the public with falsehood.”
Recall that an online media had reported that the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara, descended on a female nursing officer at the Central Hospital in Warri, Mrs. Akata Oghenero, and slapped her for taking a phone call.
The report further alleged that Nurses at the hospital have reacted to the commissioner’s unprofessional conduct by embarking on a strike action pending when a state-wide strike would commence.
