7 doctors face disciplinary panel for professional misconduct

By FRED EZEH, Abuja

Seven health professionals comprising of medical doctors and dentists would appear before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal (MDPDT) today, for alleged professional misconduct, even as trial for 10 others accused of professional misconduct would continue.

The trial is a routine exercise by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for doctors who have been reported by unsatisfied patients to had erred and violated some sections of the medical profession ethics or codes.

The exercise which will run till Thursday, will provide opportunities for the accused doctors to defend themselves either in person or be represented by a legal counsel.

MDCN had advised patients, who are unsatisfied with the professional conduct of the medical doctors, to always approach the council using various communication channels to report such cases and expect justice.

Meanwhile, a document obtained from MDCN at the weekend indicated that out of the 17 doctors that would appear before the Abba Waziri-led disciplinary tribunal, final judgment will be delivered on the case of one doctor after the successful completion of trial in previous sittings of the tribunal.

A senior staff of MDCN confirmed that one doctor will also submit written addresses for possible adoption of by the tribunal, while some of the doctors would be appearing for defence.

The staff said some of the doctors may be convicted of their offences going by the indisputable fact about their cases, and some may risk withdrawal of their practicing licenses.

MDCN disciplinary book recommended several punishments for erring doctors, including outright withdrawal of practicing licence of any doctor convicted of gross negligence or other forms of professional misconduct.

Waziri, in his remarks at previous sittings, explained that the duty of the tribunal was not to witch-hunt, discredit or destroy the reputation of doctors, but to promote professionalism, competence and dedication to service being that they are involved in the business of life saving. (Daily Sun)