Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health has stopped salaries of two medical officers for absconding from their duty post.
State Commissioner for Health; Dr. Afam Ben Obidike said that the decision was as a result of discovery made from the biometric devices (clock in) installed across government owned facilities by Gov. Charles Soludo’s administration to monitor activities of health workers.
Dr. Obidike expressed regrets at the nonchalant attitude of some health workers especially those in hospitals for their inability to discharge their duty accordingly.
What we are doing as regards monitoring of health workers activities is never meant to witch hunt anyone but 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 in 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.
While at Enugwu-Ukwu General (Njikoka LGA), the Commissioner expressed his joy that health workers were at their duty posts attending to patients even though he didn’t inform them about his visit.
He reiterated the commitment of Gov. Soludo in repositioning the healthcare sector of the state, urging all healthcare givers to double their effort so as to meet the daily needs of people who are seeking for medical attention.
Dr. Obidike promised to continue his unannounced visits to government hospitals so as to fish out health workers who earn salary without working.
State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeaneme accompanied the commissioner during his unannounced hospital visits.