The Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Araba, Abeokuta, in Ogun State, has been mired in controversy after receiving the Federal Government’s ‘Best Customer Friendly and Environmentally Clean Hospital’ award.
It was observed that the recognition angered many Ogun residents, who believed the award was undeserved and undermined the challenges faced by patients at the hospital.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, had in a letter dated November 12, 2024, announced FMC Abeokuta as the country’s best in terms of customer service and cleanliness.
Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu
According to the congratulatory letter signed by Abdul Ali E-Zaki on behalf of the Minister and addressed to the hospital’s Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, the award was given to the centre for its ‘distinguished performance in providing effective healthcare services to customers.’
“By this award, it is expected that your dedication towards providing quality healthcare services and ensuring customer satisfaction will be significantly and sustainably maintained.
“Kindly accept the best regards of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare,” the letter reads.
However, some of the residents who spoke with Punch expressed their disbelief at the hospital’s recognition as the country’s best in terms of customer friendliness and cleanliness.
The residents, many of whom rely on FMC Abeokuta for healthcare, citing issues such as unprofessional conduct by the staff, overcrowding, long waiting times, inadequate medical supplies, and limited access to specialised care as reasons for their dissatisfaction.
More than ten residents who spoke with the publication stressed that the hospital’s services were often poor, with some sharing personal horror stories of losing loved ones due to alleged negligence.
One of the residents, Olalekan Ogunbanjo insisted that the award was a misrepresentation of reality.
Ogunbanjo, who lost his brother over alleged negligence, urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the hospital’s operations.
He explained, “My brother was admitted to FMC Abeokuta for minor surgery, but due to the hospital’s incompetence, he didn’t make it.
“This award is a slap in the face to the countless patients who have suffered at the hands of FMC Abeokuta’s incompetence. The hospital’s facilities are often in disrepair, and the staff can be unfriendly and unhelpful.”
Another resident, Taiwo Adeneye said, “The hospital’s condition is far from perfect. There are still long waiting times, overcrowding in the wards, and insufficient medical supplies. How can they be called the best?
“This award is completely out of touch with the reality of what many residents experience at the hospital. We acknowledge the importance of healthcare facilities in the state, but this particular award is premature and misrepresents the true state of services offered at FMC Abeokuta.”
Also, a resident, Bunmi Sunday argued that the hospital’s shortcomings overshadow its achievements.
“The government needs to explain how they arrived at this decision. We need to know what metrics were used to evaluate the hospital’s performance.
“This award is not just about FMC Abeokuta, it’s about the entire healthcare system. Are they saying despite the worse service we get in FMC Abeokuta, it is the best among all?
The residents called on the government to reconsider the award, suggesting that more transparency and public involvement should be incorporated into the selection process for such honours.
“We want better conditions for the patients who depend on this hospital. A plaque of recognition should not be awarded without a comprehensive assessment that reflects the realities of the healthcare services,” Sunday stated.
Similarly, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights condemned the award and demanded an immediate withdrawal, along with a probe into the selection process and potential conspirators involved.
CDHR insisted that the award misrepresents the reality faced by many patients and staff at FMC Idi-Aba.
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