Akwa Ibom Assembly Orders Sanctions Against Doctors Over Death of Pregnant Woman, Baby
Three doctors at the Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, Akwa Ibom State, are facing possible sanctions following the death of a pregnant woman, Ndiana Amos, and her baby, allegedly due to medical negligence.
The State House of Assembly Committee on Health, after its investigation, directed the Ministry of Health and the State Hospitals Management Board to discipline the medical personnel involved.
The directive was issued on Thursday by the Committee Chairman and member representing Ibiono Ibom Constituency, Moses Essien, during a meeting with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, and other senior officials of the ministry and hospital board at the Assembly complex.
The tragedy, which occurred last weekend, sparked outrage after a viral video posted online by the deceased’s sister alleged medical negligence. Governor Umo Eno subsequently ordered a probe into the incident.
Following a fact-finding visit to the hospital on Monday, the Assembly committee concluded that negligence, not resource shortages, was responsible.
According to its findings, the first doctor on call, Dr. Mfon Thomas, identified the patient’s condition—suspected placenta previa—and sought a second opinion from Dr. Enobong Udota, who was absent. Another doctor, Dr. EtoroAbasi Okon, who was off duty, was later contacted but arrived nearly two hours late. The Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. Ekerette Dan, was reportedly never informed of the emergency.
“By the time surgery was performed, the baby had already died. Although the mother was stabilised after the operation, she later succumbed to excessive bleeding,” the committee reported.
Essien described the incident as a preventable tragedy caused by professional lapses, stressing that the Assembly would not relent until those responsible are sanctioned. He further directed the health commissioner to take responsibility and submit recommendations to the governor.