The Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, has directed all state healthcare facilities to source their oxygen exclusively from the State Medical Oxygen Plant located at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka. The directive is part of efforts to enhance patient safety and improve standards of care in the state’s hospitals.
Dr. Ifeanaeme issued the directive during a meeting with heads of hospitals and clinics, emphasizing the dangers of using industrial oxygen in medical settings. He stated that while industrial oxygen may be cheaper, it poses serious safety risks and should not be used for patient care.
He also instructed hospitals to maintain active call rosters to ensure that doctors and nurses are available at all times, particularly during night hours and festive seasons. “No hospital should be under lock and key,” he stated, noting that the government has provided qualified health workers and expects them to be present and responsive to patients’ needs.
To improve accountability, Dr. Ifeanaeme mandated hospitals to maintain comprehensive inventories that include staff rosters, equipment lists, and monthly sign-offs by department heads. He also urged all healthcare staff to wear proper uniforms and identification tags, warning that monitoring teams may carry out unannounced inspections.
On financial matters, he reminded hospital administrators that monthly imprests are meant for hospital maintenance and environmental cleanliness. He cautioned against misuse of the funds and stressed that auditors would be reviewing the accounts.
These new directives aim to ensure better patient outcomes, improve hospital management, and promote a culture of responsibility across Anambra State’s healthcare system.
