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 later delivered a stillborn baby outside the facility on Tuesday.
The suspension was approved on Friday by a disciplinary panel chaired by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, following an investigation into the incident.
During her appearance before the panel, Ezeihejiofor admitted to turning away the pregnant patient at 11 a.m. due to fatigue. The patient, who was approximately six months pregnant, had reported that she could no longer feel her baby kicking.
Instead of providing medical attention or issuing a referral, Ezeihejiofor instructed her to seek care at a higher health facility.
Shortly after, bystanders informed the health worker that the woman had delivered just outside the facility and needed urgent help. However, Ezeihejiofor refused to assist, citing fear as her reason.
Dr. Obidike condemned her actions, emphasizing that she failed to examine the patient or provide a referral letter. Furthermore, when called to assist in separating the placenta after the stillbirth, she again declined.
“A retained placenta can cause life-threatening bleeding and even death. That patient could have bled to death if not for the prompt intervention of another health worker within the area,” Obidike stated.
The panel resolved to immediately demote and suspend Ezeihejiofor without pay. Additionally, all other staff at the centre were issued queries regarding the incident.
In a separate case, Mrs. Blessing Offor, the Officer-in-Charge of Uke Primary Healthcare Centre in Idemili North, was also suspended for chronic absenteeism. She was ordered to refund eight months’ salary received during her absence.
Obidike reaffirmed the state’s commitment to quality healthcare, warning that negligence undermines Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s health policies.
He urged any unwilling health workers to resign or face disciplinary measures and encouraged residents to report negligence through official complaint channels.
The disciplinary 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 key officials.
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