Adeoyo Hospital Records Department Accused of Turning Away Child Eye Patient, Investigation Demanded

…As School-girl alleges worsening eyesight after denied access to care

…As Stakeholders call on Oyo Govt to restore confidence in public healthcare

An underage pupil of Christ Church School, Mapo, Ibadan, Miss Farida Ismail, has alleged that officials in the Records Department of Adeoyo Specialist Hospital, Ring Road, displayed gross negligence and an uncaring attitude after reportedly denying her and several other patients access to medical care despite her critical eye condition.

Farida, who has been battling a severe eye defect, became emotional after she was allegedly turned away from the state-owned health facility on Monday while seeking urgent medical attention.

The pupil, who was identified for immediate treatment during the “Catch Them Young Initiative” organised about three months ago, said she feared that further delay in treatment could permanently damage her eyesight.

According to the young patient, the records officials allegedly refused to attend to her despite arriving at the hospital in her school uniform and in obvious need of urgent care.

She claimed the workers also confronted her caregivers, who are journalists, with remarks suggesting they could no longer admit more patients.

The incident has sparked widespread concern over what critics describe as the alleged negligence and nonchalant attitude of some health workers entrusted with providing compassionate care to vulnerable patients.

Speaking with journalists, Farida appealed passionately to Governor Seyi Makinde, individuals, corporate organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to her rescue, explaining that her parents are financially incapable of funding the specialised treatment required to save her sight.

“My eyes are almost gone. My father has no legs, while my mother survives through a small roadside business. I don’t want to become blind because of poverty.

I appeal to Governor Seyi Makinde and every compassionate Nigerian to help me. If I receive help today, I will also help others in future,” she pleaded.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Iseya Television, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, strongly condemned the alleged conduct of the workers in the Records Department, describing it as unacceptable, insensitive and inconsistent with the principles of public service.

According to her, no patient, particularly a child in need of urgent medical attention, should be subjected to humiliation, unnecessary delays or denial of access to healthcare in a government-owned hospital.

Mrs. Aluko alleged that no fewer than five patients who visited the facility for treatment were compelled to seek medical attention elsewhere because of the attitude of the records officials.

She called on the Oyo State Government to immediately investigate the allegations, identify any officers found culpable and implement measures to improve patient care and accountability within the hospital.

She, however, commended the professionalism displayed by the staff of Oni and Sons Hospital and Eleta Eye Institute for promptly attending to the affected patient.

She also appreciated Mrs. Adeyemo for donating ₦50,000 towards Farida’s treatment and appealed to Hon. Akeem Ige, Hon. Abass Adigun (Agboworin) and other public-spirited individuals to support the young girl’s medical care.

The Head Teacher of Christ Church School, Mapo, Mr. Olufemi Olaniyi, described Farida as a disciplined and promising pupil whose future should not be cut short by a condition that is treatable if urgent assistance is provided.

Stakeholders have also urged Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations surrounding the Records Department of Adeoyo Specialist Hospital and to strengthen oversight of public health facilities to guarantee that every patient, irrespective of social or economic status, receives humane, timely and professional care.

They further appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, corporate organisations and charitable foundations to support Farida Ismail’s treatment, stressing that no child should lose the gift of sight simply because of poverty or inability to access prompt healthcare.

The allegations contained in this report reflect the accounts of the patient, her caregivers and other individuals who spoke with journalists.

Adeoyo Specialist Hospital had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.