By Mimi Chiadikaobi
The Anambra State House of Assembly,has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Health, on the urgent need to establish an independent monitoring unit within the Ministry of Health.
The 8th Assembly Assembly at plenary reached a resolution and called for the monitoring of the activities of Health Personnel in public health facilities, and checkmate reported cases of medical negligence which has resulted in loss of lives.
The request was aftermath of a motion,sponsored by Mr Chidiebere Ibemeka,representing Njikoka 1 constituency under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
Ibemeka in his submission noted that the CCTV should monitored from Ministry of Health and the establishment of an Independent Complaint Desk Officers, in and around the Emergency Unit, Intensive Care Unit and other key Units to checkmate reported medical negligence
He expressed concerns by recurring reports and public outcries regarding alleged medical negligence, slow emergency response times, and perceived unprofessional conduct by some healthcare personnel, which have reportedly led to avoidable loss of lives;
“The Emergency Room (ER), Intensive Care Units (ICU), and Labor Wards are high pressure zones where every second counts, and where the presence of accountability measures can significantly improve the quality of patient care.
“In the modern digital age, remote surveillance to be monitored from the Ministry of Health and an independent complaint desk officers, whom shall not be a staff of the hospital, will serve as a global best practice for quality assurance in healthcare.
He further said that installationof the CCTVcamers will provide an unbiased record of events that protects both the patient from negligence and the medical practitioner from false accusations”. Ibekwe submitted.
Supporting the motion the ,Majority Leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo), said that the camera will improve the commitment of medical services providers in all Anambra hospitals rural hospitals inclusive
Also, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue (Idemili North), Deputy Minority Leader, Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru ), Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North 2) Mr Ebuka Igwe (Idemili South),Deputy Minority Leader, Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru 1), described the motion as apt and call urgent action.
Also, Dr. Tony Muobike (Aguata 2) Deputy Majority Leader, Jude Akpua (Njikoka 2), Obi Nweke (Anambra East) and Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South one), in their separate submissions, highlighted the importance of installing a CCTV camera.
“CCTV are foundamental components. the installation will improve the commitment of medical services in Anambra public hospitals.
” It will monitor compliance of health practioners and reduce unprofessionalism and complacency.
“Majority of the casualties in our public hospitals are due to carelessness. This is because there is no proper surveillance on the work environment.
‘ The installation of Cameras will restore the confidence of Anambra residents”. the lawmakers said.
Anambra Assembly Speaker, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze ,who presided plenary, commended Ibemeka for sponsoring the motion and also appreciated the lawmakers for their contributions.
The Speaker called on the Anambra Commissioner for Health to do the needful.
