Anambra State lawmakers have called for the installation of 24-hour remote surveillance systems in all government-owned health facilities.
This is part of efforts to improve accountability, address medical negligence, and restore public confidence in the state’s healthcare system.
The resolution was passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly during plenary presided over by Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze.
Under the proposal, the state government is urged to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in key areas of public hospitals, with footage to be remotely monitored by the State Ministry of Health and independent complaints desk officers.
Independent Monitoring Unit
The Assembly also recommended the establishment of an independent monitoring unit within the Ministry of Health to oversee the system and strengthen oversight of public healthcare institutions.
The motion was introduced by Chidi Ibemeka, who represents Njikoka Constituency I, and said the initiative was necessary to address rising public concerns over medical negligence, delayed emergency responses, and unprofessional conduct among some healthcare personnel.
Ibemeka noted that the measure aims to ensure transparency and provide an objective record of events in hospitals, protecting both patients and medical professionals.
He added that improving oversight could help rebuild public trust in government health facilities, which some residents have increasingly avoided in favour of private hospitals.
The proposal received broad support from lawmakers across the Assembly.
Majority Leader Ikenna Ofodeme said surveillance footage could serve as important documentary evidence, protecting diligent health workers while holding accountable those found negligent in the course of duty.
Accointability Mechanism
Noble Igwe, who represents Ogbaru Constituency I, described the proposed monitoring unit as an essential accountability mechanism that would encourage greater professionalism among healthcare staff.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Tony Muobike, said the initiative reflects concerns frequently raised by residents about service delivery in public hospitals, adding that stronger oversight would help address gaps in existing internal monitoring systems.
Other lawmakers noted that the presence of surveillance cameras could help reduce absenteeism, discourage distractions during duty hours, and enhance safety for both patients and medical staff in high-pressure hospital units such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and maternity wards.
The Assembly said the proposed surveillance and monitoring framework would align with international quality assurance practices in healthcare and complement ongoing reforms in the state’s health sector.
If adopted by the executive arm of government, the initiative is expected to strengthen accountability mechanisms in public health facilities and improve service delivery for residents across Anambra State.