Anambra State Government has cautioned health workers in public health facilities against extorting patients seeking medical attention in government-owned hospitals.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, gave the warning when a member of his ministry’s monitoring team disguised as a patient and was asked to pay for another consultation fee even though he showed them the first evidence of payment during his first visit to Nise Eye Care Centre Nise, in Awka South Local Government Area of the State.
The Commissioner, who stormed the Center after receiving a debriefing from the disguised patient, addressed the staff members at the hospital that the administration of Gov. Charles Soludo is only interested in people having access to affordable and quality care.
Dr. Obidike said that the monitoring team members are sometimes disguised as patients and have helped his ministry to have firsthand information on the activities happening across government-owned hospitals.
He said the staff in question will face disciplinary action while urging the public to report with evidence of any wrongdoing in government-owned hospitals.
“We don’t want exploitation in any form, and, unfortunately, some people are making things difficult for others even when things are hard.
“Our governor’s intention is for our people to always have access to healthcare, even to the poorest of the poor in the society.
“I will continue to monitor activities in our healthcare facilities to ensure everyone aligns with government objectives.
“According to him, the State Government invested a huge amount of money in procuring standard equipment at the Eye Care Center, with qualified medical health personnel while urging the public to go check their eyes regularly.’’
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