Lagos to investigate government doctors poaching patients to private clinics

Lagos State Government says it had ordered an investigation into the death of a child, and allegations of patients poaching by some doctors from the state General Hospitals to their private clinics.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, also said that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) had shut private hospital, HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre and Maternity where the child allegedly died.

According to Idris, investigations were ongoing on the operations of the facility whose documents showed that it has not been registered with HEFAMAA or certified for the purpose of healthcare delivery.

It was gathered that this followed a March 27 publication by Mr Adeola Adetunji, accusing a doctor at the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, of professional misconduct.

Adetunji had sought justice following the death of his 15-month-old twin daughter, Taiwo Adetunji, at the private clinic in Lagos.

He had alleged that the private clinic was owned by a paediatrician, who also is an employee of the state government, working at the General Hospital, Igando.

“The ministry will make known its findings in due course and mete out appropriate sanctions to anyone found culpable in the unfortunate incident.

“We will like to assure citizens of our resolve to continuously address the issue of patient poaching and ensure that residents have unfettered access to quality healthcare service without exploitation.

“As a government, the wellbeing of citizens is of utmost importance to us and this is the main thrust of our social contract with the people.

“The Lagos State Government is a responsible and responsive government, and we will not rest on our oars to ensure that justice, in this case, is served without let or hindrances,“ he said.

The commissioner urged members of the public not to patronise any health facility not bearing the HEFAMAA logo.

He also urged the public to channel complaints and petitions in respect of unprofessional conducts by healthcare providers or health facilities to the HEFAMAA Office, Room 514 Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja.

(NAN)