The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to hospital managements that refuse to treat emergency patients. Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, delivered this message at the ‘Unlock Grants Award’ ceremony in Abuja on Sunday.
This directive follows the tragic death of Greatness Olorunfemi, a victim of a road traffic robbery, who was denied treatment at Maitama Hospital in Abuja in October 2023. A few years earlier, two gunshot victims met a similar fate in Lagos, where they were refused care and subsequently died.
In response to these incidents, the House of Representatives had earlier this year urged the Federal Ministry of Health to take decisive measures against hospitals that refuse to treat accident or gunshot victims without a police report.
Kennedy-Ohanenye announced that hospitals must now display signs reading ‘No more rejection of emergency patients’ at their facilities. Furthermore, a mobile court has been established to adjudicate such cases swiftly.
“Our hospitals will display signs stating ‘No more rejection of emergency patients.’ This is a major issue in our country. I am in contact with Maitama Hospital, and we now have a mobile court to address these violations. I urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant,” she said.
She also praised Nigerians for using social media to highlight these issues and encouraged them to continue their efforts.
