The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, has uncovered a scandal at Onitsha General Hospital in Anambra State.
It was discovered that 406 individuals were illegally added to the hospital’s staff list after the federal government took over.
During a hearing with the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character, Hon Tunji revealed the illegal padding of the staff list by the hospital’s management.
This happened shortly after the hospital was converted into a Federal Medical Centre.
The transfer of assets from the Anambra State Government to the federal government was outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2023. However, only Onitsha General Hospital was officially listed for takeover in the National Assembly Gazette.
A petition was submitted to the House of Representatives, alleging illegal recruitment and staff strength padding at the hospital. Mr. Tunji Alausa stated that the Anambra State Government handed over 977 staff to the federal government, including those from Onitsha General Hospital, Eye Center, Nise, and Trauma and Orthopedic Centre.