By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Babatunde Hunpe and Adesola Oluseyi |
BADAGRY, LAGOS — In a move to restore public confidence in the local healthcare system, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, has issued a stern warning against the alleged mistreatment and neglect of patients at the Badagry General Hospital.
During a high-stakes meeting on Wednesday, Hunpe called on the facility’s newly appointed leadership to overhaul its emergency protocols and eliminate life-threatening delays.
The council boss made these remarks while receiving the new Medical Director and CEO of Badagry General Hospital, Dr. Adesola Oluseyi, during a familiarization visit. While Hunpe formally welcomed the MD, the tone of the meeting shifted quickly to the pressing grievances of the community.
Hunpe highlighted a growing trend of complaints from residents regarding the "indifference and lack of compassion" shown to patients, particularly those arriving via emergency referrals from Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
"The health of our people remains a top priority," Hunpe stated. "When patients are delayed unnecessarily or treated without empathy, it weakens the confidence of the people in the healthcare system. Reports of poor treatment and neglect have become a source of concern to this administration."
Badagry General Hospital serves as a critical medical hub for the coastal town and its neighboring communities. Hunpe emphasized that for the system to work, the bridge between local PHCs and the General Hospital must be seamless. He urged Dr. Oluseyi to ensure that every patient referred from a local clinic is treated with the dignity and urgency they deserve.
The Chairman reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to the sector, noting his history of intervention in health matters during his tenure in the House of Representatives and his current role as council head.
Responding to the Chairman’s concerns, Dr. Adesola Oluseyi acknowledged the challenges and revealed that the hospital is already pivoting toward a more responsive model. To curb neglect and improve communication, the hospital has introduced dedicated emergency phone lines belonging to senior medical personnel. These lines will allow health workers and residents to reach responsible officers instantly during emergencies.
Planned Reforms at Badagry General Hospital: Direct Access: New communication channels with senior staff to bypass bureaucratic delays.
Stakeholder Forum: A planned summit involving youth groups, CDAs, artisans, and PHC workers to address human relations issues. Service Delivery Audit: Internal measures to monitor how referral cases are handled upon arrival.
The meeting was attended by key local government officials, including Council Manager Mrs. Avoseh Senami Oluwakemi, Chief of Staff Hon. Towolawi Taiwo, Supervisor for Health Hon. Lateef Saliu, and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Oladunjoye Dorcas.