Doctors Face Sanction Over Death of Pregnant Woman, Baby In Akwa Ibom

Doctors Face Sanction Over Death of Pregnant Woman, Baby In Akwa Ibom.
Committee blames negligence, not lack of resources, for tragedy.
Governor, health officials urged to impose disciplinary measures.

Three doctors at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital in Akwa Ibom State are facing disciplinary action 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 directed the Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board to sanction the doctors after an investigation into the tragic incident.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Chairman of the committee and lawmaker representing Ibiono Ibom Constituency, Moses Essien, issued the directive during a meeting with the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem John, and top ministry and hospital officials at the Assembly complex on Thursday.

The deceased and her baby reportedly died last weekend after alleged neglect, a case that came to light through a viral video shared online by the victim’s sister. The footage sparked widespread outrage, leading Governor Umo Eno to order an immediate probe.

Following an unscheduled fact-finding visit to the hospital, the Assembly committee concluded that negligence, rather than lack of resources, caused the deaths.

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

By the time surgery was eventually performed, the baby had died. Although the mother was initially stabilised after surgery, she later succumbed to excessive bleeding.

Describing the deaths as a “preventable tragedy,” Essien stressed that professional lapses led to the outcome and vowed that the Assembly would not relent until those responsible faced sanctions. He further directed the Commissioner for Health to take responsibility and recommend disciplinary measures to the governor.

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