The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has directed the Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board to take disciplinary action against three doctors at the Ikot Ekpene General Hospital over the death of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Ndiana Amos, and her unborn child. The lawmakers arrived at the decision after investigating circumstances surrounding the tragic incident, which has drawn public outrage.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Moses Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, gave the directive on Thursday during a meeting with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, and senior officials of the ministry and hospital board at the Assembly complex in Uyo. He said the Assembly would not tolerate acts of medical negligence in state-owned hospitals, especially when such acts endanger lives.
According to reports, Amos and her baby died last weekend after what her family described as “avoidable negligence” on the part of the attending medical personnel. The incident gained widespread attention after a video posted online by the deceased’s sister alleged that doctors at the hospital failed to act promptly to save her life. The viral clip sparked outrage among residents and renewed calls for accountability in the health sector.
The Committee’s investigation revealed lapses in the handling of Amos’s case, prompting lawmakers to insist on disciplinary measures against the doctors involved. Essien noted that health workers must be held accountable for professional misconduct, stressing that patients deserve quality and timely medical care.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. John, acknowledged the gravity of the case and assured lawmakers that the ministry, in collaboration with the hospital management board, would ensure justice for the family of the deceased. He added that measures would be put in place to prevent a recurrence, while also pledging to strengthen oversight in government-owned hospitals across the state.
The incident has reignited concerns about maternal healthcare in Akwa Ibom, with advocacy groups and residents calling for systemic reforms to improve facilities, retrain personnel, and enforce discipline in the health sector. Many have argued that negligence and poor service delivery in some hospitals continue to put pregnant women and infants at risk.
As investigations continue, the Assembly has vowed to monitor the actions of the Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board to ensure that the sanctioned doctors face appropriate disciplinary measures. The lawmakers emphasized that accountability in the health sector is key to restoring public trust and safeguarding lives in the state.
