Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have launched an investigation into the disappearance of a laboratory machine valued at N100 million from the Delta State Specialist Hospital, Asaba.
The PUNCH reported that The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, confirmed the investigation on Monday.
Speaking on the matter, Onojaeme distanced himself from the incident, stating, “I have no knowledge of it. This occurred in 2022, long before I assumed office in August 2023. Besides, the police are already handling the investigation. How can I be blamed for something I know nothing about?”
Hospital staff had earlier raised concerns about the missing Laparoscopy machine and other equipment, criticizing the Commissioner for allegedly slowing down the investigation process.
Further inquiries revealed that the machine and other hospital equipment mysteriously went missing at the specialist hospital over a year ago.
Anonymous sources within the hospital alleged that the Health Commissioner was deliberately stalling the investigation.
One source stated, “Dr. Joseph Onojaeme and the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Peace Ighosewe, must urgently return the missing equipment, including the Laparoscopy machine. The laboratory machine alone is worth around N100 million and has been unaccounted for over a year.
“The hospital belongs to the people of Delta State, not Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa or Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. There must be transparency and accountability in this matter. Currently, there are numerous irregularities within the hospital. Much of the equipment procured with taxpayer money has simply disappeared.
“The Commissioner has been frustrating the investigation for reasons unknown. We demand that he allows a full probe into this issue,” the source added.
It was also learned that the Delta State House of Assembly’s Committee on Health has summoned the hospital management for questioning regarding the missing equipment.
