The Anambra State Government has suspended Mrs. Njideka Ezeihejiofor, a health worker at Ukpo Primary Healthcare Centre, for refusing to attend to a pregnant woman who delivered a stillborn baby just outside the facility.
The suspension, approved by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, followed an investigation by a disciplinary panel. Ezeihejiofor admitted to turning away the patient due to fatigue and later refusing to assist during the emergency.
The panel found that Ezeihejiofor failed to examine the patient or provide a referral letter, leading to a stillbirth and risking the mother's life due to a retained placenta. She was demoted and suspended without pay, while other staff at the centre were queried.
In a related case, Mrs. Blessing Offor of Uke Primary Healthcare Centre was suspended indefinitely for chronic absenteeism and ordered to refund eight months' salary.
Commissioner Obidike reiterated the state’s commitment to quality healthcare, urging negligent health workers to resign or face sanctions. He encouraged residents to report such incidents via displayed contact numbers.
