Akwa Ibom state governor Pastor Umo Eno has set up a 14-man panel of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a pregnant woman and child during child’s birth at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital in the state.

Last week, the social media was awash with trending video of the incident as relatives of the deceased were crying calling governor Umo Eno to intervene.

This raised public outcry and widespread condemnation on the laxity of doctors in healthcare delivery across government hospitals in the state.

The Commissioner for Health Dr. Ekem John who represented Governor Umo Eno at the panel inauguration tasked the panel to investigate the clinical, administrative, and systemic factors that contributed to the maternal death and provide an evidence-based report to the Government of Akwa Ibom State through the Ministry.

Other terms of reference for the panel include review all medical records and documentation related to the deceased patient’s antenatal care, labour, delivery, theatre and post-delivery management, interview relevant medical personnel, administrative staff, and witnesses involved in the patient’s care; assess the readiness and functionality of equipment, manpower, and resources in the labour and delivery unit and theatre of the hospital.

It also includes to determine whether there was any act of negligence, breach of protocol, or professional misconduct; evaluate the hospital’s adherence to standard obstetric protocols and emergency response procedures and communication failures; make recommendations for institutional, administrative, and clinical improvements to prevent future occurrences and submission of a detailed report of findings and recommendations to the Commissioner for Health within 10 days from the date of inauguration

The Committee is chaired by the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University and Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Prof. Israel Jeremiah with other professionals drawn from the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology, anesthesiology, nursing, hospital administration, law, and civil society organizations.

Other members of the panel are Barr. Emem Ette, representing Ministry of Justice; Dr. Okon Emah, former Commissioner for Health; Pastor Ekpedeme, Commissioner representing Civil Service Commission; Mrs. Nsikan Jacob Udo, representing National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives; Dr. Unyime Ndoh, Representing Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

Others are Mrs. Patricia Etim, Director of Nursing Services; Mrs. Rosemary Obong, Director of Administration & Secretary of Committee; Prof. Maurice Ntiense Utuk, Professor of Obstetrics & Subject matter expert; Dr. Nsikak Nyoyoko, Consultant Obstetrician; Mrs. Mfon Akpan, Nurse/Midwife and Dr. Oku Okoiseh, Specialist Obstetrician.

Eno urged the panel members to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

“I charged you show diligence and discharge your duties without any fear or favour.” (Daily Sun)