She is a faithful among the faithful.
Long-time personal friend, scientific colleague, doctor Yolande Obadia, was alongside Didier Raoult during the foundation of the now famous IHU of Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône) in 2011. A dramatic turn of events this Wednesday, September 15, the doctor 68, historical president of the foundation that controls the institute has announced that she will end her mandate.
A decision which comes fifteen days after the official end of all the functions of the controversial infectiologist at the university hospital institute.
“Following the inauguration on September 1 of Professor Pierre-Édouard Fournier
(the successor of Didier Raoult)
as new director, I took the decision to inform the Board of Directors of the IHU of my wish not to not go to the end of my mandate”, she explained, while it ran until April 2026. Dr. Obadia remains on the Board of Directors, but leaves the presidency.
" Good news "
"This is good news, which will help propel the IHU into the future", we are told this Thursday morning at the Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille.
A week ago, the boss of the AP-HM, François Crémieux, did not hide it: “Yes, I think that Yolande Obadia must leave.
We need a renewal of the presidency, that we return to normal operation, “he declared in Le Parisien – Today in France, determined to “turn the page” Didier Raoult.
The entourage of the professor, promoter of hydroxychloroquine against Covid-19, pointed to him, unjustified attacks and "relentlessness" against his mentor.
It must be said that the stakes are now enormous.
Very rare fact, two ministers, François Braun and Sylvie Retailleau - respectively in charge of Health and Research - seized the prosecutor of the Republic of Marseille ten days ago for "serious dysfunctions" within the establishment. .
An action that comes after the submission of a damning report pointing to medical, scientific and managerial excesses.
A judicial inquiry has since been opened.
Read also“It remains a great scholar, a benefactor”: in Marseille, Didier Raoult retains his support despite his setbacks
“We will follow all the recommendations”, assures the AP-HM, which hopes to restore to the IHU its tainted credibility.
The successor to Yolande Obadia should be appointed during an extraordinary board meeting, scheduled for September 30.