By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has vowed to reinvigorate its mortality review process, so as to ensure transparency and accountability in the health sector.
The promise is coming in the wake of the recent death of a resident, Greatness Olurunfemi, who allegedly died after she was stabbed and thrown out of a moving cab.
Viral social media reports had claimed that the deceased, Greatness Olurunfemi, died on 26th, September 2023, after she was allegedly rejected at the Maitama General Hospital where she was rushed for treatment.
Unconfirmed reports said the young Olurunfemi allegedly died at the government owned facility due to negligence as medical personnel on duty insisted on a Police report before attending to her.
However, speaking during the inauguration of a nine man “Investigative Panel on the alleged death of Ms. Greatness Olurunfemi in Maitama District Hospital,” Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, vowed that no death will go unnoticed again in healthcare facilities across the FCT.
The secretary expressed confidence that the findings of the panel will go a long way in charting the means of improving and achieving efficient health care delivery in the territory.
She explained that the administration explored the legal framework for establishing an independent and investigative panel.
“The process of appointing and constituting a 9-person panel, and the role and responsibilities of the panel in investigating the alleged death and ensuring accountability. The aim is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in addressing such incidents and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in the Nigerian healthcare system.”
She added that, “The process of appointing and constituting a 9-person panel to investigate the death of late Ms Greatness Olorunfemi’s death is a crucial step in ensuring transparency and accountability in healthcare systems. This investigation serves multiple purposes, such as providing closure to the patient’s family, identifying any potential malpractice or negligence, and implementing necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“By constituting a 9-Person panel, the investigation process gains credibility and legitimacy, as it represents a collective effort to uncover the truth and uphold the principles of justice and patient safety.”
