ANAMBRA STATE ASSEMBLY PROPOSES CCTV MONITORING IN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
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By: Muftau Fatimo
The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the executive arm of government to procure and install 24-hour remote surveillance Closed-Circuit Television cameras in all public health facilities across the state.
The lawmakers demanded that the CCTV footage be independently monitored by the State Ministry of Health and independent complaint desk officers to ensure transparency.
According to them, the initiative is aimed at eliminating medical negligence and restoring public trust and the dwindling confidence of residents in public health facilities.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Njikoka 1 Constituency, Chidi Ibemeka, during plenary on Wednesday.
Ibemeka noted that the essence of the initiative is to tackle growing concerns over medical laxity, slow emergency responses, and unprofessional conduct by healthcare personnel.
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He said the development would serve as a global best practice for quality assurance in healthcare, providing an unbiased record of events that protects both patients from negligence and medical practitioners from false accusations.
He said, “The initiative is vital for restoring the dwindling confidence of Anambra residents in public healthcare. Many families currently flee to private hospitals due to a perceived lack of commitment at state facilities, with particular reference to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka.
“Recurring reports and public concerns over alleged medical negligence, delayed emergency responses, and perceived unprofessional conduct by certain healthcare personnel have contributed to avoidable loss of lives.
“The Emergency Room, Intensive Care Units, and Labour Wards are high-pressure environments where every second matters, and the implementation of accountability measures can significantly enhance patient care.
“In today’s digital era, remote surveillance will be monitored by the Ministry of Health and independent complaint desk officers who are not hospital staff.
“This approach represents a global best practice for healthcare quality assurance, providing an impartial record of events that safeguards patients from negligence and protects medical practitioners against false allegations.”
Supporting the motion, the House Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme, emphasized that CCTV footage will serve as documentary evidence to ensure that diligent healthcare workers are recognized, while negligent personnel are held accountable in cases where carelessness results in patient deaths.
“It is meant to monitor the activities of health workers and patient care. It tends to checkmate the laxity of medical personnel, particularly under emergency situations in public hospitals,” Ofodeme added.
On his part, the member representing Ogbaru 1 Constituency, Noble Igwe, stressed the urgent need for an independent monitoring unit to serve as a critical check against workplace laxity and ensure that staff remain focused on patient care.
Tony Muobike, the lawmaker representing Aguata 2 Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Health, emphasized that some existing digital systems have not fulfilled their intended purposes, highlighting the need for proper monitoring of health institutions to prevent avoidable casualties.
Muobike noted that the motion directly addresses the lived experiences of Ndi Anambra in public health facilities, contrasting with practices abroad where global healthcare standards are consistently upheld.
Patrick Okafor, representing Onitsha North 2 Constituency, pointed out the tragic consequences of hospital mortality caused by “carelessness” and distractions, including the misuse of mobile phones by staff while on duty.
Lawmakers also stressed that the “unseen eyes” of CCTV would help reduce workplace violence and ensure the safety of medical personnel.
They added that the CCTV initiative would support the state governor’s efforts in the health sector and curb complacency stemming from allegations that health workers encourage patients to patronize their private clinics over public facilities.
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