The Akwa Ibom State Government has set up a 14-member committee to investigate the death of a pregnant woman who allegedly died of neglect at the General Hospital Ikot Ekpene.
The panel, inaugurated by Governor Umo Eno, is chaired by Prof. Israel Jeremiah, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
The incident came to light after the deceased’s sister, Ndifreke Amos, released a viral video alleging her sibling was abandoned after a caesarean section due to the absence of doctors.
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Reports said the first doctor on call, Dr. Mfon Thomas, documented the patient’s condition – suspected placenta previa – and sought support from colleagues.
However, delays in response and the absence of a doctor on duty led to a two-hour gap before intervention, by which time both mother and baby had died from excessive bleeding.
During an unannounced oversight visit by the State House of Assembly Committee on Health, the committee’s chairman, Moses Essien, expressed outrage over the negligence.
“This tragedy was not due to lack of facilities or funding but personal negligence by a doctor who failed to turn up for duty. We cannot tolerate such dereliction of responsibility. Those responsible must face sanctions,” he said.
The committee has been tasked with uncovering the root cause and recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.