The Delta State Government has taken decisive action against a medical doctor at the Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) following serious allegations of physical assault on a nurse. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, confirmed the suspension of the doctor, identified as Dr. Mark, pending a full investigation.
Immediate Suspension and Panel Investigation
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme announced that the suspension is for one month and is without pay. This disciplinary measure was implemented to allow for an unimpeded investigation by an internal panel constituted by the hospital's Chief Medical Director. The Commissioner stated that he instructed the setting up of the panel immediately after being briefed about the incident.
"The Chief Medical Director briefed me about the incident, so I immediately instructed her to set up an internal panel to look into the matter," Onojaeme told newsmen. "The doctor in question has been suspended without pay for one month, pending the investigation report."
Nurse's Harrowing Account in Viral Video
The allegations came to public light through a video that trended on social media. In the footage, the nurse, Mrs. Kuku Destiny, is seen applying a towel to a swollen part of her head as she narrates her ordeal. She alleged that the assault occurred on January 6, 2026, following a dispute over a patient's folder.
According to Nurse Kuku, the conflict began when a colleague, Mr. Ike, asked her to take a folder to Dr. Mark's office. She informed him that the doctor had closed for the day, as it was past 2 p.m. After Mr. Ike checked and found the doctor still present, he delivered the folder himself.
"Later, Dr. Mark came to where I was and was shouting; 'who brought this folder to me?'" she recounted. "I kept quiet, and he became very angry and started raining abuses on me, insulting my father and my generation."
She claimed the situation escalated violently when Dr. Mark first hit her with a jotter and then struck her on the head with a plastic chair. She stated that intervention from hospital cleaners and Mr. Ike prevented her from retaliating and stopped further attack. After the incident, she reported the matter to her Head of Department (HOD) and used ice to reduce the swelling on her head.
Official Response and Awaiting Findings
The Delta State Ministry of Health's swift response underscores a zero-tolerance stance towards workplace violence within its medical facilities. The one-month suspension period is designed to give the investigative panel sufficient time to gather facts, interview witnesses, and determine the circumstances surrounding the event.
The outcome of this investigation is highly anticipated, as it will determine the final disciplinary action against Dr. Mark and set a precedent for professional conduct in the state's healthcare sector. The case has sparked significant discussion about the safety and welfare of healthcare workers in their professional environment.
