By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Ministry of Health has intensified routine monitoring and supervisory visits to government-owned hospitals to ensure compliance with duty schedules and improve quality of care.
The exercise is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s agenda to build an efficient, accountable, and people-centred health system in the state. The monitoring team was led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu on July 1.
At Umueri General Hospital, the team observed several staff absent from duty as of 10:00 a.m. Some workers were not wearing official identity cards, while several offices, including those of key officers, remained locked during the inspection.
The team also noted that some staff were alerted by phone about the monitoring exercise. Those who arrived after inspection had begun attempted to sign the attendance register but were denied, in line with administrative procedures.
While at the hospital, Dr. Chukwulobelu engaged pregnant women at the antenatal clinic and urged them to use the state’s Free Antenatal Care and Free Delivery Programme. He said the initiative covers free antenatal care, normal delivery, and caesarean section in approved government facilities.
“Governor Soludo introduced the programme to ensure that no pregnant woman dies in childbirth due to financial constraints,” he said. He advised expectant mothers to register early and deliver in government-approved hospitals with skilled personnel.
The team also visited Nawgu General Hospital, where health workers, including NYSC members, were found at their duty posts. No patient had reported for care at the time of the visit.
Speaking after the inspection, Dr. Chukwulobelu warned that absenteeism, lateness, abandonment of duty posts, and failure to wear identity cards violate Public Service Rules and will not be tolerated. He said the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, maintains a zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline, while the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, continues to promote integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring and supportive supervision across all public health facilities. It said the measure is critical to achieving the healthcare transformation goals of the Soludo administration and ensuring residents receive quality, timely medical services.
Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State
