The former medical doctor, Dr Zakari Aliyu to the Taraba state governor , Danbaba Suntai was absent at the hearing of his case by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) Disciplinary Tribunal.
Dr Aliyu who is the chief medical director at the Taraba State Spectialist Hospital is facing a one count charge at the tribunal for allegedly divulging his patient information as the governor who was under his care after the plane he was flying crashed enroute Yola.
The physician who has relocated to the United States of America, acted against Rule 44 of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition.
The Leadership reports:
According to the charge sheet, Aliyu conducted himself infamously in a respect contrary to Rule 44 of the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition and punishable under section 16(1)(a) and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The tribunal has the status of a High Court as it’s judgement can be appealed only at the Court of Appeal.
Dr Aliyu who was also absent at the first sitting, in his letter to the tribunal, requested that his matter be shifted to a later date.
The former chief medical director, who has relocated to the United States (US), in his letter explained that due to the nature of his work in the university, it would be difficult for him to appear before the tribunal at this period.
Expressing his regret, Dr. Aliyu further explained that he was in the country at the last proposed date but unfortunately, the tribunal did not sit as a result of the public holiday declared by the Federal Government for the World Economic Forum (WEF).
His absence, he said was due to the fact that he could not get another international permit within a short period.
However, Aliyu’s counsel, Bar Bulus Solomon said they would prefer that subsequently he (Aliyu) be served directly, that he was yet to hear from Aliyu since he left the country.
Other doctors standing trial at the MDCN Disciplinary Tribunal are Temitope Gabriel Onile, Nzurumike Charles Nnanna, Danmusa Ademu Ochala, and Omotayo Oluwadamilola Akinro.
Dr. Onile, Nnanna and Ochala are facing one count charge of negligence of duty. Onile and Nnanna are consultants Obsterician and Gynaecologists at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja while Ochala is the Head of Department, Consultant and Senior medical Officer in the Centre.
They were alleged to have failed to pick their calls to attend to manage a patient, Mrs. Eleojo Justina Colins (deceased) who was admitted under their care and required urgent surgical intervention until the patient died on Saturday 28th January 2012.
They are charged under rule 29 and 43 of the code of medical ethics in Nigeria 2008 edition and punishable under section 16(1)a and (2) of the Medical and Dental Practioners Act, Cap.M8 Laws of the Federatio. Of Nigeria 2004.
Dr Akinro was also charged for negligence of duty in the same case. He was alleged to have suspended the passage of a foley’s Catheter and proceeded to administer Misoprostol without prior consultation with the consultant and the senior medical officer on duty.
