Tragic Deaths at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital: Doctors Face Backlash Over Negligence in Akwa Ibom
By Fellow Nurses Africa | September 2, 2025
The devastating loss of a pregnant woman and her newborn at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital in Akwa Ibom State has ignited widespread outrage, with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) pointing to negligence, not resource shortages, as the cause. This incident highlights critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in maternal care, and raises urgent questions about accountability in public hospitals.
What Happened at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital?
On the day of the tragedy, four doctors were scheduled for 12-hour shifts at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital. A patient with suspected placenta previa required urgent intervention, but a series of failures in duty protocols led to her death and that of her newborn.
- Dr. Mfon Thomas, the first doctor on call, documented the patient’s condition and sought a second opinion but could not proceed due to the absence of the second on-call doctor.
- Dr. Enobong Udota, the second on-call doctor, was absent, leaving a critical gap in care.
- Dr. EtoroAbasi Okon, who was not on duty, was contacted but arrived two hours late.
- Dr. Ekerette Dan, the Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist (third on call), was never informed of the emergency.
- Dr. Nene Andem, the Chief Medical Superintendent, was present for an engineering inspection ordered by the Commissioner for Health, not for clinical duties.
This breakdown in communication and accountability resulted in a preventable tragedy, sparking public and legislative outrage.
Collapse of Duty Protocols
Dr. Abraham InyangUdo, Permanent Secretary, admitted that the hospital’s duty system failed. Standard protocols mandate that the first and second on-call doctors remain on-site, while the consultant on call must be immediately reachable, even if off-site. In this case, these protocols were not followed, leaving the patient without timely care.
Lawmakers Slam Negligence, Demand Sanctions
Hon. Moses Essien, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, condemned the incident, emphasizing that Ikot Ekpene General Hospital is well-funded and equipped. “This was not about lack of resources. It was dereliction of duty. A doctor abandoned his responsibility, and lives were lost. Those responsible must face sanctions,” Essien stated.
The AKHA has vowed to enforce strict penalties for those involved and ensure such negligence is not repeated, signaling a push for greater accountability in Akwa Ibom’s healthcare system.
Nigeria’s Maternal Health Crisis: A Broader Context
The Ikot Ekpene tragedy reflects deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s healthcare system, where the country accounts for 29% of global maternal deaths. Key challenges include:
- Delayed care due to absenteeism or negligence by healthcare providers.
- Cash-before-care policies that block access to emergency treatment.
- Weak accountability systems in public hospitals, allowing lapses to go unpunished.
Despite adequate infrastructure in facilities like Ikot Ekpene General Hospital, preventable maternal and newborn deaths persist, underscoring the need for systemic reforms.
A Call for Accountability in Maternal Healthcare
The Ikot Ekpene incident is a stark reminder that Nigeria’s maternal mortality crisis is not solely about resources but about professional responsibility and accountability. Nurses, doctors, and healthcare administrators must work together to ensure timely, compassionate care for every patient.
Fellow Nurses Africa urges healthcare professionals to advocate for stronger oversight, adherence to duty protocols, and sanctions for negligence. Without these changes, Nigeria’s maternal and newborn mortality rates will continue to climb.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths at Ikot Ekpene General Hospital are a wake-up call for Nigeria’s healthcare system. As the AKHA pushes for justice and reform, nurses and healthcare workers must lead the charge in restoring trust and ensuring no more lives are lost to preventable errors.
Stay updated with Fellow Nurses Africa for the latest on healthcare accountability and maternal health advocacy in Nigeria.
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