Anambra Assembly Demand Installation of 24hr Remote Surveillance, CCTV in Public Hospitals

By Uche Eke

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling on the Executive Arm of Government to procure and install 24-hour Remote Surveillance, Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) across all public health facilities to restore public trust and eliminate medical negligence in the state.

The House passed the resolution following a motion sponsored by the member representing Njikoka Constituency 1, Mr Chidi Ibemeka during Plenary at the legislative chambers.

The law makers concluded that the footage be monitored externally by the Ministry of Health and independent complaint desk officers to ensure transparency.

Mr Ibemeka noted that the essence of the motion is to tackle growing concerns over medical laxity, slow emergency responses and unprofessional conduct by healthcare personnel.

He observed that the initiative is vital for restoring the dwindling confidence of residents in public healthcare, noting that many families currently flee to private hospitals due to a perceived lack of commitment at state facilities with particular reference to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) Amaku Awka.

Supporting the Motion, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme stressed that CCTV footage would serve as documentary evidence to ensure that diligent workers are protected while negligent ones are held accountable in event of deaths caused by carelessness of health workers.

For his part, the member representing Ogbaru Constituency1, Mr Noble Igwe stressed the urgent need for an independent monitoring unit to serve as a critical check against workplace laxity and ensure that staff remain focused on patient care.

Also speaking , Mr Tony Muobike of Aguata 2 constituency who is the Chairman House Committee on Health, noted that the existing systems like “Servicom” have failed to deliver on their mandates, hence the need for proper monitoring of health institutions to guard against unexpected casualties.

Contributing , Mr Patrick Okafor representing Onitsha North Constituency 2, observed the tragic reality of hospital mortality caused by carelessness and distractions, specifically misuse of mobile phones by staff while on duty.

Mr Obi Nweke of Anambra East Constituency said installation of CCTV footage will compliment efforts of the governor in health sector and eliminate complacency where health workers solicit for patients into their own private clinics at the expense of public facilities.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the House which was presided over by the Speaker Mr Somtochukwu Udeze adjourned plenary to Thursday for futher legislative activities.