By Christiana EkpaThe House of Representatives on Tuesday raised alarm over alleged discriminatory practices in the recruitment of resident doctors at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Cross River State, following a motion sponsored by Hon. Moving the motion titled “Need to Investigate the Ugly, Discriminatory Practices in the Recruitment of Resident Doctors by the Chief Medical Director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital,” Igariwey told the House that UCTH, a federal institution and a component of the University of Calabar, was established as a centre of excellence in learning and professional conduct. Lawmakers were disturbed by allegations that the CMD reportedly rejected the entire list on the grounds that 15 of the 17 doctors were of Igbo extraction. The House also noted that the alleged action comes at a time Nigeria’s healthcare system is grappling with a severe manpower shortage, with licensed doctors reportedly numbering about 40,000, far below the estimated 300,000 required to adequately serve the population. Lawmakers warned that such conduct by a senior federal officer could worsen the brain drain in the health sector and further inflame ethnic tensions, with implications for national unity, security and stability.