CHRAN PRESS RELEASE
MATERNAL MORTALITY IN GENERAL HOSPITAL IKOT EKPENE: GOV ENO APPOINTS CHRAN DIRECTOR, ORS INTO INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE
Following the unfortunate incident of a maternal death during childbirth at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has appointed the Director, Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklyn Isong into a 14-member Investigation Committee to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the event and recommend actionable steps to prevent a recurrence.
The Committee which is chaired by the Provost, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University and Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Prof. Israel Jeremiah was inaugurated on Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025, at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Health, Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, who represented the Governor at the event.
The committee is tasked with investigating the clinical, administrative, and systemic factors that contributed to the maternal death and providing an evidence-based report to the Government of Akwa Ibom State through the Ministry.
The committee will also review all medical records and documentation related to the deceased patient’s antenatal care, labor, delivery, theatre and post-delivery management; Interview relevant medical personnel, administrative staff, and witnesses involved in the patient’s care; assess the readiness and functionality of equipment, manpower, and resources in the labor and delivery unit and theatre of the hospital; Determine whether there was any act of negligence, breach of protocol, or professional misconduct; Evaluate the hospital’s adherence to standard obstetric protocols and emergency response procedures and communication failures; Make recommendations for institutional, administrative, and clinical improvements to prevent future occurrences; Submit a detailed report of findings and recommendations to the Commissioner for Health within 10 days from the date of inauguration.
The composition of the Committee includes professionals drawn from the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesiology, nursing, hospital administration, law, and civil society organizations.
Other members of the Committee are Barr. Emem Ette, representing Ministry of Justice; Dr. Okon Emah, former Commissioner; Pastor Ekpedeme, representing Civil Service Commission; Mrs. Nsikan Jacob Udo, representing National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives; Dr. Unyime Ndoh, Representing Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).
Others are Mrs. Patricia Etim, Director of Nursing Services; Mrs. Rosemary Obong, Director of Administration & Secretary of Committee; Prof. Maurice Ntiense Utuk, Professor of Obstetrics & Subject matter expert; Dr. Nsikak Nyoyoko, Consultant Obstetrician; Mrs. Mfon Akpan, Nurse/Midwife and Dr. Oku Okoiseh, Specialist Obstetrician.
