The Akwa Ibom State government has promised to review the actions of doctors at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, after a pregnant woman and her baby died during labour and a caesarean operation. The incident sparked anger and public outcry.
A video that went viral over the weekend showed relatives of the deceased weeping and accusing doctors of negligence, saying their carelessness led to the death of the mother and child. They also appealed to Governor Umo Eno to intervene.
The video drew heavy criticism from the public about the poor state of healthcare delivery and the attitudes of some medical personnel in government hospitals across the state.
In reaction, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel, said Governor Umo Eno sympathized with the bereaved family and has ordered the setting up of a high-powered Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident.
According to the government, the panel will include medical professionals and legal experts. Its task will be to uncover what truly happened and recommend measures to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
The Commissioner explained that he had already led a team from the Ministry of Health to the hospital shortly after midnight to carry out an initial fact-finding visit and to hear directly from stakeholders involved.
He stressed that the governor has made maternal and child health a top priority, pointing out recent investments in health infrastructure, the employment of more skilled staff, and stronger emergency response systems across the state.
Dr. Ekem assured the public that the inquiry will be transparent and that any doctor or health worker found guilty of negligence will face sanctions according to civil service and professional rules.
He appealed to residents to remain calm, promising that the government is determined to uncover the truth and take strong steps to improve healthcare for mothers and children.
“The safety and wellbeing of every Akwa Ibom person remain the number one priority of this administration,” he added.
