Medical tribunal set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria which is sitting in Abuja will on Thursday (today) deliver judgment on cases of doctors brought before it for alleged gross professional incompetence which led directly or indirectly to the death of patients under their care.

Chairman of the tribunal, Prof Abba Hassan, said on Wednesday said after listening to the submissions of prosecuting and counsel to all the defendants, most of the doctors on trial would know their fate.

He added that although the tribunal had no power to send any of them to court, even in cases where lives were lost, the objective of the tribunal was to ensure confidence in Nigerian doctors and dentists and scold doctors found guilty of professional incompetence based on the gravity of their offences.

Punishment options available range from being deregistered as a medical practitioner to being suspended for up to six months.

At the Wednesday sitting, Dr Ikeji Charles of Kefland Family Hospital, Apo Mechanic Extension, Abuja, was arraigned for causing the death of Fred Akobundu, who was operated for hernia removal. He was accused of four counts bordering on incompetence and negligence. He pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Also at the tribunal, Dr Terhemba Lan was accused of operating a hospital at Mpape, Bwari area of Abuja without a registered doctor or nurse, while relying on community extension workers to carry out health services. Prosecutor said his action endangered the life of Mr Echefule Obiayi, who approached the hospital for treatment, adding that the victim was late.

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