Delta State Health Commissioner Vows Tough Measures Against Absentee Doctors
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, has issued a stern warning to doctors and health workers who fail to report for duty, particularly at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.
Dr Onojaeme, during a one-day working visit to DELSUTH on Friday, decried the alarming trend of absenteeism among medical staff, including consultants. He emphasised that the state government invests significant resources in paying salaries and will no longer tolerate a lax attitude towards work.
“The Oborevwori administration’s MORE Agenda is committed to excellence and has zero tolerance for indolence,” Onojaeme declared. “We have received complaints about absentee doctors, especially in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, where out of 15 consultants, only a handful consistently report for duty. Shockingly, seven of them have not performed a single procedure. Such behaviour is unacceptable.”
The Commissioner warned that doctors found guilty of neglecting their duties would face severe consequences. He urged all health workers to fulfil their responsibilities, noting that the state government would no longer condone wasteful practices.
“Workers must attend to their duties because the government is spending substantial sums on salaries. It is disheartening to see this level of indifference,” he stated.
Dr Onojaeme also highlighted lapses in the hospital’s pharmacy department, where expired drugs were discovered. He directed the staff to maintain accurate stock records to prevent such occurrences, ensuring that the hospital’s resources are effectively utilised.
In addition to addressing personnel issues, the Commissioner inspected ongoing projects at DELSUTH, expressing satisfaction with the progress. He noted that a 24-bed self-contained unit and a 24-bed house officers’ quarters were nearing completion, with the latter at 75% completion.
“We are pleased with the quality of work on these projects. Contractors have been urged to sustain their efforts to ensure timely delivery,” he remarked.
The Commissioner’s visit underscores the state government’s commitment to revitalising the healthcare sector and enforcing accountability among its workforce, in line with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s agenda for quality service delivery.
