The Anambra State Government has suspended two healthcare workers, Mrs. Njideka Ezeihejiofor and Mrs. Blessing Offor, over professional misconduct, negligence, and absenteeism, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on poor healthcare service delivery.
Ezeihejiofor, the Officer-in-Charge at Ukpo Primary Healthcare Centre, was found guilty of gross negligence after refusing to attend to a pregnant woman, who later delivered a stillborn baby just outside the facility on Tuesday. Appearing before the disciplinary panel chaired by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, she admitted to turning away the distressed patient due to “fatigue.”
“When the patient came in, she said she was about six months pregnant and could no longer feel her baby kicking. I told her to go to a higher health facility,” Ezeihejiofor said.
Shortly after, concerned individuals rushed to inform her that the woman had given birth nearby and needed urgent medical assistance, but she refused to step in.
Dr. Obidike condemned her actions, stressing that a retained placenta could have led to severe bleeding and possibly death.
“The panel found that she failed to examine the woman, issue a referral, or offer any assistance after the stillbirth. As a result, she has been demoted and suspended without pay, while other staff at the facility will be queried,” the Commissioner stated.
Similarly, the Officer-in-Charge of Uke Primary Healthcare Centre, Mrs. Blessing Offor, was penalized for persistent absenteeism. The panel ruled that her salary be suspended indefinitely and ordered her to refund eight months of wages received while absent from duty.
Dr. Obidike reiterated Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to quality healthcare delivery, warning that negligence and unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated.
“Health workers unwilling to uphold their duties should resign quietly or face strict disciplinary measures,” he declared, urging residents to report cases of negligence using designated hotlines displayed in healthcare facilities.
Members of the disciplinary panel included Mrs. Obiageli Uchebo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Mrs. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency; and Mr. Chris Azor, Coordinator of the Anambra Civil Society Network.
The crackdown on negligent healthcare workers signals a renewed commitment to improving service delivery and protecting the lives of citizens across the state.
