Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has constituted a 14-member panel to probe the recent death of a pregnant woman and her child during birth at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene local government area.
A viral video online by the sister to the deceased showing her struggling under labour unassisted by medics had sparked outrage as she later bled to death, forcing the governor and the House of Assembly Committee on Health to launch a probe over alleged negligence and professional misconduct.
The committee, chaired by the provost, College of Health Sciences at the Niger Delta University (NDU), Israel Jeremiah, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LEADERSHIP learnt, is mandated to unravel the remote and immediate causes of the incident.
The panel was inaugurated at the Ministry of Health Conference Hall, Uyo, by the commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, on behalf of the governor.
The governor, it was learnt, has directed the panel to “thoroughly examine the clinical, administrative, and systemic factors that led to the tragedy, with a view to preventing future occurrences.”
Also, the Committee is charged with “reviewing the medical records, interviewing medical and administrative staff, assessing the hospital’s readiness in terms of manpower and equipment, and determining whether negligence, breach of protocol, or professional misconduct played any role.”
In addition, “the panel will evaluate the hospital’s adherence to standard obstetric practices, emergency response systems, and communication processes. It is expected to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations to the ministry of health within 10 days.
The 14-member body draws expertise from the medical, legal, nursing, administrative, and civil society sectors. Members include Barr. Emem Ette of the Ministry of Justice; former Health Commissioner, Dr. Okon Emah; Civil Service Commission representative, Pastor Ekpedeme; Mrs. Nsikan Jacob Udo of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives; and Dr. Unyime Ndoh of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Others are Mrs. Patricia Etim, Director of Nursing Services; Mrs. Rosemary Obong, Director of Administration and Secretary to the Committee; Prof. Maurice Ntiense Utuk, a Professor of Obstetrics; Dr. Nsikak Nyoyoko, Consultant Obstetrician; Mrs. Mfon Akpan, Nurse/Midwife; and Dr. Oku Okoiseh, Specialist Obstetrician.
While inaugurating the panel, Dr. John urged members to carry out their assignment diligently and without fear or favour, stressing that the government is committed to strengthening healthcare delivery and safeguarding lives across the state.
