By Peter Dansu The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has condemned what he described as the poor treatm...
By Peter Dansu
The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has condemned what he described as the poor treatment and neglect of patients allegedly being experienced at Badagry General Hospital, calling on the institution’s new management to urgently improve its handling of referrals from primary health centres.
Hunpe made the remarks on Wednesday when he received the newly appointed Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Badagry General Hospital, Dr. Adesola Oluseyi, during a familiarisation visit to his office.
While congratulating Dr. Oluseyi on his appointment, the council boss formally welcomed him to Badagry and assured him of the local government’s readiness to work closely with the hospital management.
He noted that Badagry General Hospital occupies a strategic position as a major health institution serving not only Badagry but other neighbouring communities, stressing that there is a strong need for greater collaboration between the local government and the hospital.
Hunpe, however, used the occasion to express concern over complaints from residents about the manner in which some patients are allegedly treated at the hospital, particularly those referred from primary health centres.
According to him, emergency referrals from primary health centres should never be met with delays, indifference or lack of compassion.
He urged the new Medical Director to ensure that patients referred from primary health centres receive prompt attention and are treated with dignity.
"The health of our people remains a top priority. We understand that institutions may face challenges, but when patients are delayed unnecessarily or treated without empathy, it weakens the confidence of the people in the healthcare system," Hunpe said.
The chairman said reports of poor treatment and neglect at the hospital had become a source of concern to his administration, adding that such issues must be addressed immediately to restore public trust.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the hospital whenever necessary, noting that he has consistently intervened in the health sector, including during his time as a member of the House of Representatives.
Responding, Dr. Oluseyi thanked the chairman and members of his team for the warm reception and encouragement.
He disclosed that the hospital had already begun implementing new measures aimed at improving service delivery and responsiveness.
Among the measures, he said, is the introduction of dedicated phone lines belonging to senior medical personnel to enable residents and health workers reach responsible officers quickly in emergency situations.
The Medical Director also revealed plans to organise a major stakeholders forum involving youth groups, community development associations, artisans, health workers from primary health centres and other relevant groups.
According to him, the proposed forum will create an avenue for frank discussions on issues of human relations, patient care and service delivery, with a view to improving healthcare outcomes across Badagry.
Present at the meeting were the Council Manager, Mrs. Avoseh Senami Oluwakemi; the Chief of Staff, Hon. Towolawi Taiwo; the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Lateef Saliu; and the Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Oladunjoye Dorcas.
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