The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed his concerns regarding the increasing attacks on medical doctors and other healthcare service providers by relatives of patients and thugs. To address this issue, the Governor has announced that his administration would strengthen security in hospitals to prevent harassment of hospital staff.
The latest attack occurred at the Mother and Child hospital located in Oke Aro, Akure, where a commercial driver assaulted nurses and doctors on duty with a cutlass over the death of his five-year-old son. The driver reportedly became furious and attacked the medical personnel after losing his son. The Governor has condemned this trend of violent attacks and warned against vicious attacks by families of patients and hooligans.
During the commissioning of the medical and surgical building at the Mother and Child Hospital, the Governor explained that the renaming of the Akure Mother and Child Hospital as the Ondo State Specialist Hospital was aimed at improving qualitative healthcare delivery. He added that the hospital would now offer medical, surgical, dental, and other services to residents.
The Governor further stated that plans were underway to recruit more personnel to replace those who have left the system, and the government’s health insurance scheme has commenced, allowing beneficiaries to access healthcare without out-of-pocket payment. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Prof. Francis Faduyile, mentioned that the government had considered it necessary to put in place a specialist hospital in Akure to maximize the benefits of the health programs of the present government.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Folukemi Aladenola, also promised that the Ministry was determined to take the health sector to greater heights. Governor Akeredolu has assured the public that his administration would continue to prioritize healthcare delivery and ensure the safety of healthcare providers.
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