The recently recalled Ebonyi State commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, has directed the chief executive of the State Hospital Management Board (SHMB), Dr James Okata Nwali, to issue a query to all the health workers in Elinwovu General Hospital who were not on their duty post during an unscheduled visit to the hospital by his team.
It would be recalled that the health commissioner was on Sunday, 9th February 2025, recalled by the state governor, Francis Nwifuru.
On his recall, the commissioner embarked on an unscheduled visit to different hospitals and healthcare facilities, where he gave the directive for the action against the workers.
The commissioner lamented that the health workers were not meeting expectations and directed their responses to the query to be submitted to his office within 24 hours.
Dr Ekuma also expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of the hospital superintendent, Dr Nwede Augustine, and noted that the medical personnel are not reciprocating the huge resources invested in them by dedicating themselves to their duties.
He enumerated some of the state governor’s achievements, including improved welfare packages like renovation and equipping of their quarters, provision of mobility, payment of rural allowances for those serving outside the state capital, and logistic or fuel allowance, among others.
Reacting also, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr Lawrence Ezeogo, emphasised that medical doctors do not run shifts like nurses and insisted that the workers explain in writing why disciplinary action should not be taken against them.
Dr Ezeogo appealed to the health workers to always be at their duty post, adding that it would increase patronage and justify their pay.
