Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission backs suspension of medical practitioner
The Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has
welcomed the Medical and Dental Council’s (MDCN) indefinite suspension of Dr. Anuoluwapo Adepoju from practicing medicine pending full and final disposition of disciplinary proceedings. Dr Adepoju has been at the centre of allegations of failed surgical practices, an allegation she denied. In a statement, FCCPC Head, Public Relations Ondaje Ijagwu stated: “Every action, whether interim or final that prevents the risk of injury to patients/consumers and or mitigates the pain and suffering of citizens on account of injury by manufacturers or service providers, is an important component of a larger effort to protect citizens.
“The Commission finds all such actions or measures commendable. This outcome, interim as it were, validates and reinforces the proprietary of joint or dual regulatory engagement as the Commission always advocates. The initiation of robust consumer protection regulatory intervention in the case has catalysed other relevant and appropriate
action.”
Last July, the FCCPC commenced the prosecution of Dr Adepoju at the Federal High Court, Lagos over her alleged evasion from an investigation into a failed plastic surgery.
Adepoju was charged alongside her clinic, MedContour Services Ltd, on a five-count charge bordering on her refusal to honour an invitation and produce documents to assist the investigation.
In its statement, the FCCPC further commended the MDCN for “the stellar and robust work, as well as timely disposition in resolving this case in a manner that respects and protects the rights of the service provider, specific citizens who have become otherwise dissatisfied with the services they received, and the public at large.
“This is a demonstration that the system works and can endure, as well as inure to the benefit of society. Whether patient care or good manufacturing, ultimately, the highest responsibility is to consumers. We as regulators must hold producers and providers accountable to that obligation.”
