For many residents of Kogi and neighbouring states, Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL) is the headquarters of medical negligence in Nigeria.
We have had cause to take patients to other hospitals within and outside Kogi state. We have visited or patronized both public and private hospitals as well. We know how medical personnel deliver excellent services. Our own Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja is devoid of humanity.
The recent accusations and counter accusations between the Majority Leader of Kogi State House of Assembly, Suleiman Abdulrazaq and the management of FTHL is not the first and wont be the last. While I wont try to hold brief for the accused House of Assembly member, it is pertinent to note that the hospital is well known for poor service delivery and absolute lack of professionalism.
At times, I wonder if the facility should be renamed ‘Anything Goes Teaching Hospital’.
The underfire Assembly member told the world how his ailing father in-law was abandoned for three good hours with no one to attend to him till he gave up the ghost. I know the doctors and hospital management will deny this, but there are just too many similar cases in town.
Let the security agencies investigate what actually happened at the hospital on Tuesday and prosecute whoever is found guilty according to the dictates of the law. But this does not take away the notoriety of Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja for medical negligence and absolute unprofessional services.
Hardly will a month pass before you hear a tale of woe from patients or their families about how they were badly treated at Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja.
Instead of crying wolf over the recent incident, the management of FTHL must sit up and put the hospital in order. Wield the big stick if necessary. Then go on air, re-assuring residents of consistent, improved medical services. This is the ideal thing to do.
I dare any independent investigator to go around Lokoja and question residents at random or using any valid sampling model. You will agree with me that FTHL is not a good brand and not viewed as a professional medical centre by residents, indigenes and non-indigenes alike.
We know why some of their personnel treat us the way they do, but we will continue to appeal to their conscience and remain hospitable.
– Adamu Ojonugwa writes from Lokoja.
