The Anambra State Ministry of Health has intensified its monitoring and supervisory visits to government-owned hospitals as part of efforts to improve service delivery, enforce discipline and ensure quality healthcare across the state.
The inspection, led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, forms part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s healthcare reform agenda aimed at building an efficient, accountable and people-centred health system.
During a visit to Umueri General Hospital, the monitoring team discovered that several staff members were absent from duty as of 10:00 a.m., while some employees were not wearing official identity cards. Several offices, including those of key officers, were also found locked during official working hours.
The team further observed that some staff appeared to have been alerted about the inspection by telephone. Those who arrived after the exercise had commenced attempted to sign the attendance register but were prevented from doing so in line with public service regulations.
While at the facility, Dr. Chukwulobelu interacted with pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic and encouraged them to take advantage of the Anambra State Government’s Free Antenatal Care and Free Delivery Programme, which covers antenatal services, normal delivery and caesarean sections in approved government hospitals.
He said the initiative was introduced by Governor Soludo to eliminate financial barriers to maternal healthcare and reduce maternal and child mortality across the state.
The monitoring team also visited Nawgu General Hospital, where health workers, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, were found at their duty posts. Although no patients had arrived at the time of the visit, the facility was fully staffed and operational.
Speaking after the inspection, Dr. Chukwulobelu warned that absenteeism, lateness, abandonment of duty posts and failure to wear official identification cards constitute violations of the Public Service Rules and would no longer be tolerated.
He reiterated that the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, operates a zero-tolerance policy against indiscipline, while the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, remains committed to promoting professionalism, accountability and integrity within the state’s healthcare system.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring and supportive supervision across all public health facilities, stating that regular inspections remain critical to achieving the Soludo administration’s vision of accessible, efficient and high-quality healthcare for all residents.
