The Anambra State Government has begun installing clock-in devices in public health facilities in the state in a bid to curb absenteeism and ensure that health workers take their duties seriously.
Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Health, had made the report during a meeting with administrators of public hospitals in Awka, the state capital.
According to Obidike, he had observed that during some unannounced visits to hospitals in the state, several health workers would be absent while in some cases, the health facilities would not be open for services.
Such alarming attitude to work has contributed to the numerous mortality cases recorded in the state and has thwarted progress in the health sector.
The installation of a Clock-in device is in line with Governor Soludo’s plan to take the healthcare sector in the state seriously, and for the residents to have access to standard health care services at the primary health centres, general hospitals and tertiary health facilities, according to Obidike.
The clock-in device will additionally be used to monitor the hours state health workers put in. This will later on determine each workers monthly salaries and allowances.
Obidike had also revealed that the state government was working towards strengthening at the least, one general hospital in each LGA so that primary health centres can refer patients in case of emergencies.
Lastly, the commissioner had urged hospital administrators to conduct weekly clinical and mortality reviews and report findings to the ministry for suitable action to be carried out.
This is a step in the right direction for the residents of Anambra State as this initiative would serve as a deterrent for nonchalant health workers and would hopefully, improve on the health services offered in health facilities statewide.
