The Anambra State Ministry of Health has taken decisive action by suspending the salaries of a medical doctor and two nurses who were caught diverting patients from the government-owned Ekwulobia General Hospital in Aguata Local Government Area to private hospitals within the state.
Expressing his dismay, Dr. Afam Obidike, the state commissioner for health, condemned the behaviour of the healthcare workers, emphasising the inhumane treatment inflicted upon patients. He announced that those implicated would not receive salaries until further notice, noting the administration’s zero tolerance for such misconduct under Governor Charles Soludo’s leadership.
Dr. Obidike reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare services to the public through its hospital network, stressing that profit-making was not the objective. He emphasised the importance of upholding professional ethics and maintaining universal health coverage in the state.
Addressing the issue of accountability, Dr. Obidike highlighted the establishment of a task force to monitor hospital activities and gather patient feedback to ensure satisfaction with the services provided. He assured the public of the government’s commitment to identifying and addressing instances of misconduct, urging individuals with concerns about healthcare services to utilise the provided contact numbers for assistance: 09063227856, 08035657865, and 08036681476.
Confirming the misconduct, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, the state hospital administrator, denounced the actions of the healthcare workers as sabotage and unprofessional behaviour. He emphasised that such conduct violated civil service regulations and could not be justified under any circumstance.