The Anambra State Government has suspended a health worker, Mrs. Njideka Ezeihejiofor, for negligence after she refused to attend to a pregnant woman who later delivered a stillborn baby outside a healthcare facility.
Ezeihejiofor, the Officer-in-Charge of Ukpo Primary Healthcare Centre, was suspended following an investigation by a disciplinary panel led by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike. The panel, which convened on Friday, found her actions unprofessional and in violation of medical ethics.
During the hearing, Ezeihejiofor admitted to turning away the pregnant woman, who arrived at the facility around 11 a.m., complaining that she could no longer feel fetal movement. The health worker claimed she was too fatigued to attend to the patient and advised her to seek care at a higher health facility.
“Minutes later, some people rushed to the centre, saying the woman had given birth just a short distance away and needed help. I refused to go because I was afraid,” Ezeihejiofor told the panel.
The Commissioner for Health condemned her actions, revealing that she neither examined the woman nor provided a referral letter. He added that when called to assist with separating the placenta after the stillbirth, she again declined.
“A retained placenta can lead to severe bleeding and even death. That woman could have lost her life if not for the intervention of another health worker in the area,” Obidike stated.
As a disciplinary measure, the panel ordered Ezeihejiofor’s immediate demotion and suspension without pay. Other staff at the facility were also issued queries regarding the incident.
In a related decision, the panel suspended Mrs. Blessing Offor, the Officer-in-Charge of Uke Primary Healthcare Centre in Idemili North, for persistent absenteeism. Her salary was suspended indefinitely, and she was directed to refund eight months of wages received during her absence.
Obidike reiterated the state government’s commitment to quality healthcare, warning that negligence undermines Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s health policies and investments. He urged health workers unwilling to perform their duties to resign rather than face disciplinary action.
He also encouraged residents to report cases of medical negligence through designated contact numbers displayed at healthcare centers.
The panel included Mrs. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency; Mr. Chris Azor, Coordinator of the Anambra Civil Society Network; and other stakeholders.
