The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has warned that the state government will not hesitate to sanction any health worker found neglecting or abandoning their duties.
Prof. Ugwu gave the warning on Monday during an unscheduled inspection visit to the Agbani General Hospital in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.
He was accompanied by some management staff of the Ministry of Health and officials of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The commissioner expressed disappointment over the level of laxity and absenteeism observed among some hospital staff, describing the situation as unacceptable and detrimental to the vision of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration to reposition the state’s health sector for optimal performance and quality service delivery.
He emphasised that government employees, especially in the health sector, hold a sacred responsibility to protect lives and must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.
“The era of impunity and indifference to duty is over,” Ugwu said, warning that disciplinary measures would be taken against any staff member found violating public service regulations.
According to him, the surprise inspection was aimed at assessing workers’ compliance with official duties and service standards, as part of the ministry’s strategic plan to ensure efficiency and accountability in healthcare delivery across the state.
During the visit, the commissioner inspected the hospital’s infrastructure, equipment, and patient care processes, and directed immediate corrective measures where lapses were identified.
Ugwu reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving health infrastructure and workers’ welfare, stressing that such efforts would only yield results if matched with professionalism, dedication, and integrity from health personnel.
He also commended the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Mr. John Ogbodo, for the ongoing renovation and landscaping projects at the hospital.
