Delta State Sacks, Demotes Health Workers for Extortion
The Delta State government has taken disciplinary action, including sacking and demoting several health workers, for extorting pregnant women and children under five by illegally charging them for drugs.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, disclosed the sanctions on Saturday while flagging off the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) Project Action Plan in Ashaka, Ndokwa East local government area.
Free Healthcare Policy Enforced.
Dr. Onojaeme emphasized that all pregnant women in Delta State are entitled to free healthcare until delivery, and children under five also receive free medical treatment.
He commended the majority of health workers for their dedication but revealed that some had been sanctioned for collecting illegal fees while simultaneously billing the government for the same services.
“Health workers in the state have done well, but in every twelve, there is a Judas,” he stated, warning that monitoring would continue to ensure proper utilization of funds meant for maternal and child healthcare.
Residents were encouraged to report any health worker demanding payment, and the phone number of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health Monitoring is set to be made public for this purpose.
Progress on Mortality Reduction.
The Commissioner also shared positive news regarding public health efforts, noting that the state has recorded a significant reduction in maternal mortality.
The figures have dropped from over 200 to less than 120 per 100,000 live births. He expressed optimism that the MAMII Project would further drive down maternal and child deaths.
The representative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. John Ovuoraye, pledged the Federal Government’s full support for states tackling maternal and neonatal mortality.
He noted that the national MAMII Project, backed by President Bola Tinubu, is a collaborative effort with international partners like USAID, WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Dr. Ovuoraye identified 172 local government areas across 33 states as high-risk zones, including five in Delta: Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu, and Sapele.
