Osun Govt Warns Private Hospitals Against Admitting COVID-19 Patients

… threatens To Shut Erring Private hospitals

… Warns Citizens On COVID-19 Protocol

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

Osun State government has restated its warning that private hospitals in the state are not allowed to admit and treat suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, in a statement on Monday, said the state’s position on treatment of Coronavirus victim by private hospitals remained unchanged and that non-adherence to the directive would be sanctioned.

Egbemode said the state government had accredited health facilities with required personnel to treat suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients in the state.

According to the Commissioner, any private hospital that go against the directive shall have its
establishments shut and the owners’ operating licenses withdrawn.

Egbemode who is the lead of the Risk Communication team of Covid-19 Management expressed concern over the rising effect of dreaded disease in the state, the recent time.

“The Governor and the Government of the State of Osun are deeply concerned by emerging tragic outcomes resulting from professional infractions by some medical facilities and lackadaisical attitude of citizens towards the Covid-19 pandemic, which is still very much around more deadly than what it was in its first and second waves.

“Having examined the rising effects of Covid-19 in the state in recent times, the Government of the State of Osun is worried that in spite of the various measures taken to ensure safety of its citizens, some individuals and institutions have continued to aid the spread of the virus through their flagrant disregard for government’s guidelines.

“The government hereby warns private hospitals to stop attempting to manage Covid-19 cases in their facilities.

“Also, rapid Covid-19 tests should be incorporated into preliminary medical examinations for patients, and quick referrals should be made to designated (government) facilities set up to manage Covid-19 cases when tests return positive.

“Private hospitals who go against this directive shall have their establishments shut and the owners’ operating licenses withdrawn.” The statement said.

The government also urged residents to continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical protocols against Covid-19.

“Residents are enjoined not to drop their guards against the virus. Let us wear our masks, and wash our hands regularly with soap or use alcohol-based sanitizer regularly. Let us avoid crowded environments and also be deliberate about boosting our immunities.”