By Peter Omopo
September 6, 2025 | Uyo
Three doctors at the Ikot Ekpene General Hospital in Akwa Ibom State are facing disciplinary action after a pregnant woman, Ndiana Amos, and her baby died in what lawmakers have described as a case of medical negligence.
The House of Assembly Committee on Health, after investigating the incident, directed the state Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board to sanction the medical personnel involved.
Chairman of the committee and member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Moses Essien, issued the directive during a meeting with Health Commissioner Dr. Ekem John and senior officials of the ministry and hospital board at the Assembly complex on Thursday.
The tragedy, which occurred last weekend, gained public attention after the deceased’s sister posted a viral video alleging negligence. The outcry prompted Governor Umo Eno to order a full probe.
Following a surprise fact-finding visit to the hospital, the committee concluded that lapses in duty—not lack of resources—led to the deaths.
Findings showed that the first doctor on call, Dr. Mfon Thomas, had documented Amos’s suspected placenta previa and sought a second opinion from Dr. Enobong Udota, who was absent. Another doctor, Dr. EtoroAbasi Okon, who was not on duty, was eventually reached but arrived about two hours late. The consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Ekerette Dan, was never informed of the emergency.
“By the time surgery was performed, the baby had already died. Although the mother was initially stabilised post-surgery, she succumbed to excessive bleeding shortly after,” the committee reported.
Essien described the incident as a “preventable tragedy” caused by professional lapses and vowed that the Assembly would ensure accountability. He tasked the health commissioner with making formal recommendations to the governor for sanctions.
