The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health on Tuesday, suspended the salaries of two medical officers for absconding from their duty posts.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike revealed the decision to suspend the salaries when he embarked on an unscheduled visit to some hospitals in the state.
According to the Commissioner, the decision was a result of a discovery made from the biometric devices (clock-in) installed across government-owned facilities by the Charles Soludo administration to monitor the activities of health workers.
Dr. Obidike expressed regrets at the nonchalant attitude of some health workers especially those in hospitals and their inability to discharge their duty accordingly.
This he noted, negates the vision of the state government to ensure improved health service to Anambra residents, in line with the governor’s solution manifesto.
“What we are doing as regards monitoring of health workers activities is never meant to witch hunt anyone.
“Instead, it is our duty and responsibility as government to ensure our people have access to quality, affordable healthcare in all our hospitals.
“When I went to Awkuzu Comprehensive Health Centre, the Chief Medical Officer in Charge only attended work once a week and this was not the first time, so I had to change the leadership immediately.
“Awkuzu is in Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
“I have instructed, Dr. Adaobi Igwebuike to take over as the new Chief Medical Officer at Awkuzu, and going forward any hospital that fails to meet our standards, the person in charge should step down with immediate effect.
“The reason Dr. Igwebuike is assuming the position of CMD is because of her dedication and commitment in this hospital and people working here can attest to my observation and whenever I visit here unannounced, she is always at her duty post attending to patients,” he said.
While at Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospital, the Commissioner expressed his joy that health workers were at their duty posts attending to patients, even though the visit was impromptu.
He reiterated the commitment of Gov. Soludo to repositioning the healthcare sector of the state, urging all healthcare givers to double their efforts to meet the daily needs of people who are seeking medical attention.
Dr. Obidike promised to continue his unannounced visits to government hospitals to fish out health workers who earn salaries without working.
The State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeaneme accompanied the commissioner during his unannounced hospital visits.
