By Nudoiba Ojen
Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, has urged well-meaning groups and individuals to complement government efforts in all sectors including healthcare delivery.
Filani, while reacting to a statement by a group, Ekiti East Classic Team, seeking urgent attention to the General Hospital, Omuo Ekiti, faulted the statement, said, “Omuo General Hospital was fully renovated by the last administration, with specific equipment support provided to aid delivery”.
The Commissioner, in a rejoinder titled, “Re: SOS in the need to urgently declare a state of emergency on General Hospital, Omuo in Ekiti State”, said, “Our hospital is equipped with the necessary tools and resources to meet the healthcare needs of the Omuo community”.
Filani urged the group to contact the state government or Ministry of Health directly for inputs and suggestions.
He said, “We understand the importance of community collaboration in improving healthcare services and call on you (the Ekiti East Classic Team members) and other well-meaning groups to complement government efforts by assisting in any way you can. We welcome constructive feedback and suggestions from community members like yourself.
Together, we can work towards addressing any concerns and further enhancing the services offered by Omuo General Hospital and indeed increasing service delivery in the Ekiti State health sector”.
The rejoinder by the Health Commissioner read:
“Dear Ekiti East Classic Team,
“Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns regarding the staffing, equipment, and functionality of Omuo General Hospital. We appreciate your commitment to the welfare of our community and we value your input and feedback.
“However, we must address the inaccuracies in your observations. Omuo General Hospital is staffed by a dedicated team led by 2 Doctors (One Senior Medical Officer and another Medical Officer) and 11 nurses. The laboratory and Pharmacy sections are also manned by at least 3 relevant professionals in the units.
“These healthcare professionals work tirelessly to provide quality care to all patients even as efforts are already underway by the government of H.E. Biodun Oyebanji to employ more. While challenges may arise, our staff is committed to overcoming them to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
“Additionally, our hospital is equipped with the necessary tools and resources to meet the healthcare needs of the Omuo community. Omuo General Hospital was fully renovated by the last administration, with specific equipment support provided to aid delivery.
“Some of the equipment include: Ultrasound (with 3 probes) Examination couch, Scrub Unit Single, Resuscitation Unit, Delivery Bed, Suction Unit, Vitals Monitors, Scale Newborn, Fetal Monitor, Auto Syringe Pump, Infusion Pump etc. even with that, we continuously strive to upgrade our facilities and equipment to provide the highest standard of care. Beddings and other relevant equipment have been ordered and will be supplied to the hospital in due time.
“As far as patient treatment is concerned, in the 1st Quarter of 2024, a total of 651 OPD cases were seen with 111 admissions, 28 minor/ major surgeries, and 27 live births.
“While I have directed the PS Hospital Management Board to do an on-the-spot assessment of the facility, the records readily available some of which are shared above are not in support of your cry about the increasing mortality rate of the people of Omuo because of the GH Omuo.
“It is also worth noting that ailments such as malaria which you specifically mentioned are to be managed at the numerous primary health centres where testing and even treatment are currently being given free of charge courtesy of the Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration.
“We understand the importance of community collaboration in improving healthcare services and call on you and other well-meaning groups to complement government efforts by assisting in any way you can. We welcome constructive feedback and suggestions from community members like yourself.
“Together, we can work towards addressing any concerns and further enhancing the services offered by Omuo General Hospital and indeed increasing service delivery in the Ekiti state health sector.
“We encourage you to reach out to us directly with any other specific issues or suggestions you may have. Your input is invaluable as we strive to better serve the healthcare needs of our community.
“Thank you once again for bringing your concerns to our attention. We look forward to working together with you and other members of the community to ensure the continued success of Omuo General Hospital,” Filani stated.
