By Stanley Nwako
The Director of Medical Services, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, alongside an inspection team from the Ministry, today embarked on an unscheduled visit to selected General Hospitals across the State.
The exercise forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to enforce discipline, strengthen accountability, and curb the rising trend of absenteeism among healthcare workers, in line with the vision of this administration.
The inspection team visited General Hospital Mbaukwu and General Hospital Agulu to assess staff compliance with established operational standards.
At General Hospital Mbaukwu, the team encountered a concerning situation.
The facility had minimal staff presence, with only a few personnel on duty, while several others were absent without explanation.
Observations also indicated the need for improved facility management, as part of government’s continuous efforts to upgrade and reposition healthcare infrastructure across the State. No patient was seen within the premises at the time of the visit.
During the inspection, the team evaluated key operational benchmarks including staff dress code, punctuality, environmental cleanliness, quality of service delivery, adherence to duty rosters, organogram structure, and the nominal roll of staff.
Findings revealed notable lapses, particularly in attendance and overall facility coordination. Consequently, queries were issued to absent staff members, mandating them to provide explanations within 48 hours.
In contrast, the visit to General Hospital Agulu showed a relatively higher level of compliance. Most staff members were present and actively engaged in their duties, although a few cases of absenteeism were still recorded.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Chukwulobelu expressed deep concern over the attitude of some health workers, emphasising that absenteeism undermines the core mandate of the healthcare system.
“The health sector is not a place for negligence or indiscipline. Every staff member has a direct role in saving lives, and absence from duty is not just a breach of civil service rules but a betrayal of the trust reposed in us by the public. Patients depend on our availability, commitment, and professionalism.”
He further stressed that the Ministry would not tolerate any form of laxity, noting that stricter monitoring mechanisms and disciplinary measures would be enforced to ensure accountability.
“We are committed to restoring efficiency and dignity in our hospitals. Any staff who fails to report to duty without valid justification will face appropriate sanctions.”
In line with the 5-point agenda of the administration of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, the Ministry’s health focus remains centered on ensuring safe and accessible care, building a productive and healthy population, continuously upgrading health infrastructure, strengthening skilled and disciplined healthcare personnel, and upholding accountability through efficient, patient-centered service delivery.
Dr. Chukwulobelu also urged hospital management teams to strengthen internal supervision and ensure that standards are upheld at all times.
“Supervisors and heads of departments must take responsibility for their teams.
There must be continuous monitoring, proper documentation, and a culture of responsibility. Our hospitals must reflect excellence, discipline, and readiness to serve.”
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, reiterated that health workers must consistently adhere to the ethics of their profession, maintain discipline, and avoid absenteeism, stressing that dedication, punctuality, and professional responsibility are essential pillars of effective healthcare delivery.
The inspection exercise, according to the Ministry, will continue across other government health facilities in the State as part of a broader strategy to improve service delivery, enhance system efficiency, and restore public confidence in the healthcare sector.
