3 feared dead in Anambra health centre during childbirth amid personnel shortage
By Goodness Ndukuba, Awka
A Primary Health Care Centre in Awba Ofemili, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has come under growing concern over reported feared three childbirth-related deaths, amid an alleged shortage of nurses, midwives and medical doctors at the facility.
Igwe Ernest Mmaduagwuna, the traditional ruler of the community raised the alarm during a visit to the health centre, saying the facility had the infrastructure to serve residents but lacked the qualified personnel required to provide regular healthcare services.
According to him, the absence of skilled health workers was particularly worrying for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children who may require immediate medical attention.
He appealed to the Anambra State Government and relevant health authorities to urgently deploy qualified nurses and at least one midwife to the community, while also requesting scheduled visits by medical doctors.
Mmaduagwuna alleged that the community recorded about three childbirth-related deaths in the previous month.
However, observations at the facility raised questions about its current level of operation.
During the visit, some sections of the health centre appeared deserted, while certain offices were 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 areas described as wards appeared to have been used for laundry activities.
The condition has raised concerns about whether the facility is operating at its intended capacity and whether residents can reliably access essential maternal and child healthcare services within the community.
The monarch 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 its existing infrastructure was not left underutilised.
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 patronizing unqualified medical practitioners, urging them to seek care from trained health professionals and accept referrals to higher-level hospitals whenever necessary.
The situation raises a critical question for health authorities: what happens to a community when a health centre has been built, but the health workers needed to provide essential care are not available?
For residents of Awba Ofemili, the immediate demand appears to be not necessarily for another health facility, but for the effective activation of the existing one through the deployment of personnel, provision of essential 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 feared childbirth-related deaths.
