The Federal Government has issued a warning to hospitals that turn away patients seeking emergency care, threatening to take action against the management of such establishments. This directive was emphasized by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, during a recent event in Abuja.

The concern arose after incidents where individuals in critical condition were denied medical attention, leading to unfortunate outcomes such as the death of a victim who fell prey to a ‘one-chance’ robbery. This victim, Greatness Olorunfemi, was tragically refused treatment at Maitama Hospital in Abuja, contributing to her passing.

This incident mirrored past cases where patients, including gunshot victims, were turned away from hospitals, resulting in avoidable deaths.

To address this alarming trend, the House of Representatives called upon the Federal Ministry of Health to intervene decisively. The government’s response includes mandating hospitals to display signs stating ‘No more rejection of emergency patients’ and establishing a mobile court to address such cases promptly.

Kennedy-Ohanenye reiterated the government’s commitment to holding hospitals accountable for denying critical care to those in need and emphasized that these actions will not go unpunished.

She stated, “Our hospitals will also put a sign of ‘No more rejection of emergency patients’. These are some of the major issues we have in this country. I am in touch with Maitama Hospital. But now, I have a mobile court for any hospital that does that. I am using this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to be vigilant.

“Let me also say I am proud of Nigerians. I love the way they are using social media to attack issues. But focus and continue to attack the main issues as you are doing. Keep it up. But this is the time for action.

“Let all of us buckle up to prevent emergency patients from being rejected. I am still going to keep calling on Nigerians. This fight is not for one person alone. It is for all of us.”