Awba Ofemili Records Three Reported Maternal Deaths As Health Centre Lacks Nurses, Doctors
By Njideka Agbo |Ichie Times
A Primary Health Care Centre in Awba Ofemili, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, is at the centre of growing concern after the community reported three childbirth related deaths in one month, amid an alleged shortage of nurses, midwives and medical doctors at the facility.
The traditional ruler of Awba Ofemili, Igwe Ernest Mmaduagwuna, raised the alarm during a visit to the health centre, saying the facility has the infrastructure to serve residents but lacks the qualified personnel required to provide regular healthcare.
According to the monarch, the absence of skilled health workers has become particularly worrying for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children who require immediate medical attention.
He appealed to the Anambra State Government and relevant health authorities to urgently deploy qualified nurses and at least a midwife to the community, while also requesting scheduled visits by medical doctors.
Igwe Mmaduagwuna alleged that the community recorded about three childbirth related deaths in the previous month, a claim that could not be independently verified by Ichie Times.
However, the condition observed at the facility raises further questions about its current level of operation.
During the visit, some sections of the health centre appeared deserted, with certain offices visibly dusty. Parts of the premises were also being used for activities unrelated to healthcare.
Firewood and cooking utensils were seen in some sections of the building, while some areas described as wards appeared to have been converted for laundry activities.
The situation has raised concerns over whether the facility is functioning as a fully operational primary healthcare centre and whether residents can reliably access essential maternal and child healthcare services within the community.
The traditional ruler said the community had repeatedly appealed for government intervention, including the deployment of a visiting doctor who could attend to patients on scheduled days.
He also called for the facility to be properly equipped and regularly supervised to ensure that the existing infrastructure is not left underutilised.
Igwe Mmaduagwuna acknowledged ongoing government interventions in Awba Ofemili, including road and electricity projects, but stressed that healthcare remained an urgent concern requiring immediate attention.
He further advised residents against patronising unqualified medical practitioners, urging them to seek help from trained healthcare workers and accept referrals to higher level hospitals whenever necessary.
The situation presents a critical question for health authorities: what happens to a community when a health centre has been built, but the health workers needed to save lives are not there?
For Awba Ofemili residents, the immediate demand is not necessarily another health facility, but the effective activation of the one already standing through the deployment of personnel, provision of equipment and regular government supervision.
The relevant health authorities are urged to review the situation at the facility and clarify its staffing and operational status, particularly in view of the community’s report of recent childbirth related deaths.
