Cross River : Seven Health Workers In Trouble Over Extortion of Patients
https://www.fearlessreports.com/2018/03/cross-river-seven-health-workers-in.html
DG PHCDA, Dr. Beta Edu addressing journalists after the visit |
No fewer than seven Health Workers in Primary Health Center OKUNI, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State are to face disciplinary actions over alleged extortion, absenteeism and reporting to work late.
Out of the 7 workers, 3 are Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWS) 2 are Junior Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEW) and 2 are Laboratory Technicians.
The affected staff if found guilty are likely to face penalties including interdiction, demotion or caution.
Speaking, Director General of Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu who paid an unscheduled visit to the facility decried the level of poor maintenance of PHC Okuni.
She said all the affected staffs will appear before the Board of the Agency in a later date to give their defence.
"We have decided to summon them over continued complaints against them by the Village Chiefs of Okuni", she said.
She warned health workers across the State to always avail themselves to their duty post and stop the extortion of community members for healthcare services which she describe as free for all.
While noting that the public was made to pay for malaria testing and treatment which is free, she added that "tighter sanctions will hold to deter staff from sharp practices. Help lines will soon be put up for members of public to send in their complains".
Three patients at the health centre were allegedly extorted N8000 each by a staff who admitted them.