The Anambra State Ministry of Health has threatened to impose harsh punishment on publicly funded general hospitals that fall short of expectations.
The threat was made by Mrs. Obiageli Uchegbu, the task force's commander, while the state's general hospitals were being inspected.
According to Uchegbu, the task force was established by the government to oversee hospital operations and make sure they were operating properly and providing medical care.
“The inspection is to ensure the revival and efficiency of the health sector and possibly sanction any facility performing below expectation.
“There have been complaints about the lack of maintenance of facilities, quality of care and poor attitude of workers to their job all of which this government will not overlook.
“It will no longer be business as usual. Healthcare is what we cannot joke about.
“It is our collective responsibility and all hands must be on deck,” Uchegbu said.
The Deputy Medical Director, General Hospital, Onitsha, Dr Nnamdi Ekpelinwa, said the inspection provided the opportunity for the hospitals to interact with the ministry.
Ekpelinwa said that hospital managements would leverage the exercise to table the challenges affecting the discharge of their duties
“In spite of many challenges, we are doing our best to manage the available resources to deliver quality healthcare to residents,” he said.