Three doctors at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital in Akwa Ibom State may face disciplinary action after a pregnant woman, Ndiana Amos, and her baby died in what lawmakers described as a case of medical negligence.
The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health, after investigating the incident, directed the Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board to sanction the doctors found culpable.
Chairman of the committee, Moses Essien, issued the directive on Thursday during a meeting with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, and top officials of the ministry and board at the Assembly complex.
The tragedy, which occurred last weekend, drew public outrage after the deceased’s sister posted a viral video accusing the hospital of negligence. Governor Umo Eno subsequently ordered a probe.
Following an unscheduled fact-finding visit to the hospital, the committee concluded that the deaths were due to professional lapses rather than lack of facilities.
Findings showed that the first doctor on call, Dr. Mfon Thomas, had documented the patient’s condition, suspected placenta previa, and sought a second opinion from Dr. Enobong Udota, who was unavailable.
Another doctor, Dr. EtoroAbasi Okon, was contacted but arrived two hours late, while the consultant obstetrician, Dr. Ekerette Dan, was never informed of the emergency.
By the time surgery was carried out, the baby had already died.
Although Amos was briefly stabilised after the procedure, she later succumbed to excessive bleeding.
Essien described the deaths as a “preventable tragedy” and pledged that the Assembly would ensure those responsible are held to account.
He further directed the health commissioner to make recommendations to the governor for appropriate disciplinary measures.