By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, on Thursday, June 11 conducted an unscheduled inspection of the General Hospital, Enugwu-Ukwu.
The inspection was to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the hospital’s operations, service delivery, and staff commitment to clients’ welfare.
While on the visit, the commissioner observed lapses in staff punctuality, records particularly among some doctors posted to the facility.
He interacted with patients in various wards, many of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which they were being attended to by some healthcare personnel.
Reacting to the complaints, Dr. Obidike emphasized the need for professionalism, dedication, and prompt service delivery in all government-owned health facilities and warned that absenteeism, lateness to duty, and negligence would not be tolerated.
To strengthen oversight and improve service delivery, the commissioner announced plans for the establishment of a Quality Assurance Unit in the hospital; the unit would be responsible for monitoring staff activities and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards.
Dr. Obidike noted that the Anambra State Government has provided the hospital with the necessary consultants and other critical personnel to ensure effective healthcare services, stressing that there was no justification for poor patient care.
He directed that nurses found on duty without proper identification tags would face disciplinary measures, while some pharmacists identified for professional misconduct would also be sanctioned by the state government.
The commissioner instructed the hospital management to clearly label and identify all departments within the facility so as to make navigation easier for patients and visitors.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Anambra State Government to improving healthcare delivery across the state and urged all health workers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Nwako is of the Anambra State Ministry of Health, Awka
