The Anambra State Government has taken decisive action against two healthcare workers whose misconduct has undermined Governor Charles Soludo’s commitment to improving health services in the state.
Mrs. Njideka Ezeihejiofor has been suspended due to negligence resulting in a pregnant woman delivering a stillborn baby outside a medical facility on February 11. Mrs. Blessing Offor, a health worker at Uke Primary Healthcare Centre in Idemili North, has also been reprimanded for her consistent absence from duty.
In a ruling by a disciplinary panel, Ezeihejiofor’s salary has been suspended indefinitely. Additionally, she has been ordered to refund eight months of wages that were paid during her unapproved absence.
In September 2023, Governor Charles Soludo announced a groundbreaking policy to provide free antenatal care, deliveries, and Caesarean sections for all pregnant women in the state, emphasizing the government’s commitment to maternal health.
The panel’s decision regarding Ezeihejiofor was reached on Friday, led by the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, following an investigation into the incident.
During her appearance before the panel, Ezeihejiofor, who serves as the Officer-in-Charge at Ukpo Primary Healthcare Centre in Dunukofia LGA, explained her actions, “When the patient came in at 11 a.m, she said she was about six months pregnant and could no longer feel her baby kicking. I advised her to go to a higher health facility for the best care. Moments later, I learned she had delivered just a short distance from the centre, but I refused to assist out of fear.”
Dr. Obidike remarked that Ezeihejiofor failed to examine the patient or provide a referral letter when she presented at the facility. “Despite being called to assist with post-delivery care, she declined, citing fear,” he stated.
The Commissioner condemned Ezeihejiofor’s lack of action, emphasizing the potential life-threatening consequences of retained placenta, which could have resulted in severe hemorrhaging. “It is fortunate that another healthcare worker was able to intervene in time.
“The panel however, resolved that Ezeihejiofor be immediately demoted and suspended without pay while the other staff in the Centre be queried,’’ he said.
Dr. Obidike assured the public of the state’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services, underscoring that such unprofessional behavior contradicts Governor Soludo’s health investments and policies. He urged healthcare workers who are unwilling to perform their duties to resign rather than face disciplinary consequences.
Residents are encouraged to report any incidents of negligence through designated contact numbers conspicuously displayed at healthcare facilities.
The disciplinary panel is comprised of several respected members, including Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health; Pharm. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency; Dr. Chukwudi Njerita, Dunkofia Health Director; Mr. Chris Azor of the Anambra Civil Society Network; and representatives from the Local Government Civil Service Commission.
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