The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Health to urgently establish an independent monitoring unit within the Ministry of Health to strengthen oversight in public hospitals across the state.
The resolution of the 8th Assembly followed a motion moved during Tuesday’s plenary by Hon. Chidiebere Ibemeka, lawmaker representing Njikoka I Constituency. The House urged the installation of CCTV cameras in critical units of public health facilities and the creation of Independent Complaint Desk Officers to monitor activities and address reported cases of medical negligence that have allegedly resulted in loss of lives.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Ibemeka stressed that surveillance systems should be centrally monitored from the Ministry of Health, while complaint desk officers—who must not be hospital staff—should be stationed around Emergency Rooms (ER), Intensive Care Units (ICU), labour wards, and other high-risk units.
He expressed concern over recurring public outcries regarding alleged medical negligence, slow emergency response times, and perceived unprofessional conduct among some healthcare personnel.
“The Emergency Room (ER), Intensive Care Units (ICU), and Labour Wards are high-pressure zones where every second counts. The presence of accountability measures can significantly improve the quality of patient care,” Ibemeka stated.
He further described remote surveillance and independent complaint channels as global best practices in healthcare quality assurance, noting that such measures would provide unbiased records of events, protect patients from negligence, and shield medical personnel from false accusations.
Lawmakers who supported the motion included Hon. Ebuka Igwe (Idemili South), Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme (Ekwusigo), Hon. Kingsley Udemezue (Idemili North), Hon. Nobel Igwe (Ogbaru I), Hon. Patrick Okafor (Onitsha North II), Hon. Dr. Tony Muobike (Aguata II), Hon. Jude Akpua (Njikoka II), Hon. Obi Nweke (Anambra East), and Hon. Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South I).
In their separate contributions, the lawmakers emphasized that CCTV cameras are fundamental components of modern hospital administration, capable of improving compliance, curbing malpractice, reducing unprofessional conduct, and restoring public confidence in the health system.
They argued that the absence of proper surveillance in many public hospitals has contributed to avoidable casualties, adding that the installation of monitoring systems would enhance accountability and commitment among healthcare workers.
Presiding over plenary, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, commended Hon. Ibemeka for sponsoring the motion and praised members for their robust contributions. He called on the Commissioner for Health to take necessary steps in line with the House resolution.
The House subsequently adjourned to reconvene on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
