… pay more attention to COOUTH/Amaku, other health facilities in rural communities – Okeke
Following discovery made from the biometric (clock in) devices installed across government-owned facilities by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration to monitor activities of health workers, the state government, through the Ministry of Health, has stopped salary of a medical officer for absconding from his duty post.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who disclosed this on his Facebook page, explained that on visits to Comprehensive Health Centre Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area, it was discovered that the Chief Medical Officer in charge of the facility (name withheld) only attended work once in a week, reason he instructed Dr. Adaobi Igwebuike to take over as the new Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Obidike expressed regret over nonchalant attitude of some health workers in discharging their duties, especially those in government hospitals, and reemphasized that monitoring activities of health workers is never meant to witch hunt anyone, insisting that it is the duty and responsibility of the government to ensure that people have access to quality, affordable healthcare in all government-owned hospitals.
He warned that going forward; any hospital that fails to meet government standards, the person in charge would be stepped down with immediate effect.
The Health Commissioner further explained that the reason Dr. Igwebuike was directed to take the position of the CMD of Comprehensive Health Centre Awkuzu was because of her dedication and commitment to duty in the hospital, which he said that people working at the facility can attest to.
At General Hospital Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka LGA, the Health Commissioner expressed joy that health workers at the facility were at their duty posts attending to patients; even though he did not inform them about his visit.
He reiterated the commitment of the Soludo administration in repositioning the healthcare sector of the state, urging all healthcare givers to double their efforts so as to meet the daily needs of people seeking medical attention.
Commissioner Obidike promised to continue his unannounced visits to government hospitals; so as to fish out health workers who earn salary without working.
Reacting to the development, a Facebook user with the name, Basil Okeke, urged the Commissioner to pay more attention to Amaku (Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka), and other health facilities in rural communities.
He alleged that the hospital (Amaku) has the pride of being the worst medical institution, as they display nonchalance and unprofessional acts with pride and disgust.
