Chief Medical Officer at the Comprehensive Health Centre Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State has been suspended for absconding from his duty post with his salary withheld.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, who disclosed this on Tuesday, said the decision followed discovery made from the biometric devices installed across government-owned facilities by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo led administration to monitor activities of health workers.
He said the device revealed that the Chief Medical Officer in charge of the facility only reported to work once in a week.
He said he had instructed another person, Dr. Adaobi Igwebuike, to take over as the Chief Medical Officer.
While regretting the nonchalant attitude of some health workers in discharging their duties, especially those in government hospitals, Obidike maintained that monitoring activities of health workers was never meant to witch hunt anyone.
“It is the duty and responsibility of government to ensure that people have access to quality and affordable healthcare in all government-owned hospitals.
“Going forward, any hospital that fails to meet government standards, the person in charge will be stepped down with immediate effect,” he added.
The Commissioner further explained that he directed Igwebuike to take the position of the CMD of Comprehensive Health Centre Awkuzu following her dedication and commitment to duty in the hospital, virtues he said other workers at the facility could attest to.
At General Hospital Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka LGA, the Commissioner expressed joy that health workers at the facility were at their duty posts attending to patients, even though he did not inform them about his visit.
He reiterated government commitment in repositioning the healthcare sector of the state, urging all healthcare givers to double their efforts so as to meet the daily needs of people seeking medical attention.
Obidike however promised to continue his unannounced visits to government hospitals to fish out health workers who earn salary without working.