UPTH Uncovers Payroll Irregularities, Suspends Salaries of Over 1,000 Staff
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has taken decisive action by halting the salaries of more than 1,000 workers. This move follows a comprehensive staff verification exercise that exposed significant irregularities within the hospital's payroll system.
Verification Exercise Reveals Ghost Workers
Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UPTH, Professor Chituru Orluwene, disclosed these developments during a press briefing marking his first 100 days in office. He revealed that the verification became necessary after discovering the hospital's payroll contained approximately 4,000 names, while only 2,000 staff were physically present and actively working.
The exercise identified about 2,000 workers who could not be accounted for, prompting management to suspend salaries for over 1,000 of them pending further investigation and action.
Systemic Corruption and Financial Leakages
Orluwene described this development as a major step in addressing systemic corruption and financial leakages that have plagued the institution. He emphasized that eliminating ghost workers would free up valuable resources and significantly improve service delivery to patients.
"We have recovered a lot. The presence of individuals collecting salaries without working has had a damaging effect on the system," the CMD stated during the briefing.
Crackdown on Unauthorized Financial Practices
In addition to addressing payroll irregularities, the hospital management has launched a crackdown on unauthorized financial practices. This specifically targets staff who allegedly diverted payments into private accounts using Point of Sale (POS) machines.
The report detailing these findings has been forwarded to the Federal Government for necessary decisions, which may include the recruitment of qualified personnel to fill legitimate positions.
Patient-Focused Reforms Implemented
In a move expected to bring relief to patients, UPTH management has ordered a downward review of hospital and mortuary bills. Orluwene explained that this decision aligns with the reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu's administration, aimed at improving healthcare accessibility for all Nigerians.
The hospital has also introduced a structured feeding system for in-patients, with patients now paying N5,000 daily for three balanced meals, ensuring proper nutrition during hospital stays.
Environmental Improvements and Infrastructure Repairs
Addressing longstanding concerns about environmental hygiene, particularly mosquito infestation within the hospital premises, the CMD revealed that extensive sanitation measures have been implemented.
Consultants engaged by management discovered major infrastructural issues, including broken underground pipes and blocked soakaway pits that contributed to stagnant water and mosquito breeding grounds.
"They drained the soakaway pits and evacuated about 40 truckloads of waste. Since then, the mosquito problem has reduced significantly," Orluwene reported.
Commitment to Transparency and Excellence
Professor Orluwene, the eighth CMD of UPTH, reiterated his commitment to transparency and an open-door policy. He pledged to sustain reforms that will reposition the hospital as a center of excellence in healthcare delivery.
The CMD expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, for the opportunity to serve, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him through continued institutional improvements.
