…Says Unions Are Key to Institutional Growth
…Urges FMC to Uphold Merit in Principal Appointments
Adekola Adelani
In the wake of recent controversies surrounding the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, over its award for “Customer-Friendly Services,” a former Acting Medical Director, Dr. Ebenezer Nkom, has broken his silence, criticizing the institution’s current trajectory and calling for transparency in its administration.
Speaking exclusively to Medalinks News 24, Dr. Nkom voiced his concerns about the perception of the FMC in recent years and urged its management to return to the values that once earned the center respect and accolades.
Addressing the contentious nature of the recent award, Dr. Nkom said, “We didn’t buy awards with money then because we earned them. The communities around the FMC told the story of our success, not press releases or doctored documents. If the institution is doing well, you will know through its immediate environment.”
The former MD described the FMC of his era as one with a sterling reputation, contrasting it with the institution’s current image. “I remember when being a staff member of the FMC was a badge of honor,” he recalled.
“Now, some people mockingly call it the ‘Federal Mortuary Centre.’ The institution must reflect on why it has lost the trust and admiration of its host communities.”
Dr. Nkom emphasized the critical role of unions in fostering institutional progress, rebuking the idea that they exist to antagonize management.
“Unions are not out to destroy; they are watchdogs seeking the betterment of the institution. During my time, we understood their agitations and worked with them transparently,” he noted.
He cautioned against secrecy and a lack of trustworthiness in administrative dealings, pointing out that such practices often lead to unrest. “Unionists are intelligent and educated individuals. They notice when transparency is lacking, and they will speak out. It’s better to address their concerns head-on.”
In his assessment of the current state of affairs at the FMC, Dr. Nkom was candid. “I am not a patient who can rate the services, but what I hear is that the FMC is a white sepulchre – beautiful on the outside but rotten within.”
To reclaim its former glory, he advised the FMC management to prioritize merit in appointments to key positions such as Medical Director, Head of Medical Services, and Director of Administration. “Rules should not be bent to favor specific groups. Principal offices should be filled transparently, with the most qualified individuals appointed based on merit,” he stressed.
Dr. Nkom concluded by urging the FMC to refocus on its core purpose: patient care. “If the patients aren’t there, none of us will have a role to play. Let’s treat them right. Excellence in patient care will naturally restore FMC’s reputation and bring it back to its glory days.”
The award for “Customer-Friendly Services,” which sparked this dialogue, has been met with mixed reactions. While some stakeholders celebrated the recognition, critics argue that it does not reflect the current reality of the institution. The controversy has opened a broader conversation about FMC Abeokuta’s administration, community relations, and service delivery.
As these debates unfold, Dr. Nkom’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the values and principles that can guide the institution back to the path of excellence.
