The Ekiti state government has expressed its readiness to address the concerns and reservations of patients and their relatives about healthcare services at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado-Ekiti.
The Nigerian Tribune has reported cases of assault and attacks on the facilities and health officials in the hospital in recent times over alleged poor attitude by the health personnel in the institution.
The state commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said in a statement signed and made available to the Nigerian Tribune on Wednesday that the government was doing everything possible to beef up security in the facility and follow up on the prosecution of suspects involved in the attacks on doctors and other health personnel.
He added that the government, in collaboration with the board of the health institution, has instituted a ten-man panel of inquiries to investigate the complaints of patients and their relatives against health personnel and submit interim reports within 72 hours.
Filani said, “ We acknowledge the concerns raised by care-seeking members of the state regarding the challenges they face in accessing healthcare services at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH). Rest assured, we are actively investigating these bottlenecks with a view to streamlining and improving service delivery.
“ We urge the general public to remain calm as we work to address these matters effectively.
“ In line with the above and given the more recent events, the Ministry of Health and Human Services has informed the board of EKSUTH to set up a review panel to thoroughly investigate these complaints.
“ The 10-member panel of inquiry, co-chaired by Dr Femi Thomas and Dr Sunkanmi Alabi, is to, among other things, investigate the perceived poor health worker attitude and suggest any other measures to improve the quality of care delivered at the Accident & Emergency Department of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital.
“ The interim report of the committee is to be submitted within 72 hours, while their comprehensive report is expected within 2 weeks.
“ Furthermore, a comprehensive capacity-building programme for all staff members will be initiated shortly to ensure optimal service delivery while creating a safer and more conducive work environment.”
While commending the continued support of stakeholders in the health sector, the commissioner noted that the government would strive to uphold the highest standards of healthcare delivery in the state.
