Amidst the COVID -19 panic in the country, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Professor Anthony Ugochukwu, is dead.
Ugochukwu, a renowned surgeon, was said to have died on Friday night at a leading private hospital in the state, Memphys Hospital, Enugu.
Confirming the demise of the commissioner was the member representing Orji River state constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Jeff Mbah.
Mbah described the late surgeon as a genius and technocrat; saying, “He is a great loss to both Enugu State and Nigeria.
“We are talking about a renowned Professor of Surgery, who has a lot to offer in turning around our health sector. Its a terrible blow.”
It was learnt that the commissioner just returned from the United States and was doing fine before the sudden relapse.
Professor Ugochukwu has been sick from his days as Provost of the College of Medicine, but late recovered and concluded his work in the College.
However, shortly after his appointment as a commissioner last year, the sickness was said to have returned, more severely.
He was said to have been out of circulation while the COVID-19 pandemic was raging.
And while out of circulation, his duties were carried out by the Permanent Secretary in the Enugu State Ministry of Health, Dr Ifeanyi Agujiobi.
