PUBLIC STATEMENT: CLARIFICATIONS ON POLICY STATEMENTS AND RECRUITMENT

The Management of the OAUTHC, Ile-Ife has observed some stories making the rounds on social media. These followed the interactive session the Chief Medical Director had with some journalists on the occasion of his first anniversary in office. It has become necessary to give correct information in light of this.

A. Clarification on Sleeping While on Shift Duty and Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy

The online publication “We’ll Remove Office Beds to Curb Sexual Harassment – OAUTH CMD” has garnered attention on social media with various interpretations. This followed a recent interaction with journalists at the first anniversary of the Chief Medical Director and it is imperative to address any misconceptions and rectify the records on two distinct issues:

Sleeping While on Shift Duty

• The context and correct narrative of this issue is as follows:
  
  1. The OAUTHC Management aims to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
  2. It is impermissible for hospital staff working shifts to sleep while on duty even at night as against officers on call duties in furtherance to routine duties.
  3. Due to operational considerations, Management has decided to remove beds from locations where shift duties are performed.
  4. Notably, the interview did not reference lecturers, classrooms, offices, doctors on call duties, or the university.
  5. Removal of beds from places not officially designated is expected to assist in curbing the issue of sleeping during shift duty and other matters including incidences concerning sexual allegations.

Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy

1. OAUTHC Management has pro-actively formulated an Anti-Sexual Harassment policy in line with the Public Service Rules.
2. Thus, anyone involved in acts of sexual harassment will face full sanctions.
3. Management considers it commendable to take such decisive action to safeguard staff members and foster a healthy work environment. 

B. OAUTHC Offers 390 Disengaged Staff Fresh Appointments

1. The recruitment process under the June 2022 waiver witnessed unprecedented deviations from standard practices, with no manpower defence, no advertisements, no applications for posts, no screening or short-listing and no interviews and wanton disregard for the approved employment numbers and cadres as issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
2. Yet 2,054 or more persons emerged with letters of employment into various positions. Thus, in April 2024, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoHSW) directed Management to conduct a suitability test to resolve the debacle. In the end, only 390 individuals passed the screening into the requisite job cadres.
3. Those who passed have since been offered new employment letters under the authority of the FMoHSW, and the OHCSF and the requisite certificate of compliance issued by the Federal Character Commission. They have since been captured on the appropriate government personnel and payroll system (IPPIS).
4. It is important to note that the OAUTHC has not received any new recruitment waivers since the June 2022 waiver to employ 450 officers
5. Consequently, no new permanent and pensionable recruitments have been conducted.

The Management appreciates all staff and the public and assures that patient safety, staff welfare and the integrity and image of our institution remain top priorities. The OAUTHC remains committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services and excellence in research and training.

For further inquiries, please contact our Corporate Services Department: csdoauthc@gmail.com