Doctor jailed two years for stealing hospital beds
The High Court of Akwa Ibom State sitting in Eket has sentenced a medical doctor, Nwaopara Uche, to a two-year jail term for stealing hospital beds from Immanuel General Hospital and Immanuel Psychiatric Hospital, both in Eket Local Government Area of the state and converting them to his private clinic.
Uche was convicted along with 28-year-old Kubiat Isidore and Felix Ekwere, a 35-year-old security man, who conspired with him to steal the items at Immanuel General Hospital.
Ekwere was caught moving out some of the stolen hospital beds from the hospital at night.
Uche, 39, a native of Mbiere in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo state, is said to have used his position as the Medical Superintendent of Immanuel Psychiatric Hospital to commit the crime.
Delivering judgment in suit number HEK/13C/2023, the Presiding judge, Hon. Justice Nsemeke Daniel convicted the medical doctor on a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.
One of the convicts, Samuel is said to have confessed to the police that it was the convicted Uche who sent him.
They were prosecuted by the state through the Ministry of Justice.
This is a shocking case of betrayal and abuse of power by a medical professional. It is disheartening to see a doctor, who is supposed to prioritize the well-being of patients, involved in such criminal activities. Stealing hospital beds from public hospitals and converting them for personal use is not only unethical but also deprives the community of essential healthcare resources. The sentencing of the doctor, along with his accomplices, is a step towards justice and sends a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity and prioritize the needs of patients above personal gain.