Ikot Ekpene hospital negligence triggers outrage as Assembly orders disciplinary action over maternal and infant death in Akwa Ibom State

Ikot Ekpene hospital negligence has drawn widespread outrage after the tragic death of a pregnant woman, Ndiana Amos, and her baby, allegedly due to professional lapses by doctors at the General Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.

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The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly Committee on Health directed the Ministry of Health and the state Hospitals Management Board to sanction three doctors found culpable in the case. The directive came after the committee’s investigation into the incident.

Chairman of the Committee, Moses Essien, who represents Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, issued the order during a meeting with Health Commissioner Dr. Ekem John and senior officials at the Assembly complex on Thursday.

The death, which occurred last weekend, gained public attention after a viral video posted by the deceased’s sister accused the hospital of negligence. The footage fueled outrage across the state and prompted Governor Umo Eno to order a formal probe.

Following an unscheduled fact-finding visit to the hospital on Monday, the committee concluded that the tragedy was caused by negligence rather than a lack of medical resources.

The committee’s findings revealed that:

* Dr. Mfon Thomas, the first doctor on call, suspected placenta previa and documented the patient’s condition but sought a second opinion from Dr. Enobong Udota, who was absent.
* Another doctor, Dr. EtoroAbasi Okon, who was not on duty, was eventually contacted but arrived two hours late.
* The Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. Ekerette Dan, was never informed of the emergency.

By the time surgery was conducted, the baby had already died. Though Amos was initially stabilised after surgery, she later succumbed to severe bleeding.

Calling it a “preventable tragedy,” Essien condemned the lapses and vowed that the Assembly would ensure accountability. He also directed the Health Commissioner to take responsibility and make necessary recommendations to Governor Eno.

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The case has intensified calls for improved medical accountability and stricter disciplinary measures to prevent future avoidable deaths in the state’s healthcare system.