Healthcare Workers Urged to Demonstrate Integrity, Professionalism - ICPC
By Chizoba Njaka
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a directive to healthcare professionals across Nigeria, emphasizing the imperative of upholding exemplary standards of integrity and professionalism in their delivery of services to the public. This entails adhering to the highest ethical standards, demonstrating respect for patients, and maintaining a commitment to excellence in healthcare provision.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by the Commission's Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Lagos State, Mr. Chukwurah Alexander, to the management and staff of the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
Mr. Alexander highlighted the paramount importance of transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the delivery of healthcare services emphasizing that the manner in which healthcare professionals execute their duties has a profound impact on fostering public trust in governance.
He stressed the necessity of demonstrating unwavering dedication, impeccable professionalism, and uncompromising integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He strongly emphasized the necessity for all staff members to steadfastly uphold the most stringent ethical standards, observing that integrity is quintessentially demonstrated through unwavering adherence to ethical principles and behaviors, regardless of whether such actions are subject to observation or scrutiny.
Mr Alexander also stressed the paramount importance of sustaining continuous educational programs centered on anti-corruption statutes and exemplary workplace protocols, with the express objective of perpetuating a culture of transparency and accountability that is fundamental to the ethos of public service.
Upon receiving the ICPC delegation, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC-Ebute-Metta, Dr. Adedamola Dada, extended a warm welcome and expressed sincere gratitude for the visit. He reaffirmed the hospital's unwavering commitment to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in the delivery of healthcare services.
Dr Dada proceeded to highlight the institution's notable accomplishments over the preceding seven years, prominently featuring the successful implementation of a comprehensive, fully integrated electronic medical records system, thereby transitioning to a paperless environment.
He additionally, cited the establishment of a reliable 24-hour power supply infrastructure, further enhancing the facility's operational efficiency and capacity to deliver uninterrupted healthcare services.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), reiterated that the initiatives were designed to combat corruption, foster transparency, and elevate service delivery standards assuring hospital's unwavering commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at promoting and reinforcing anti-corruption values among its personnel.
According to him, the initiative is consonant with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission's (ICPC) overarching strategy to fortify transparency and accountability across diverse sectors. Notably, the ICPC's ongoing collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aims to enhance governance in healthcare institutions, promoting a culture of integrity and professionalism.