Clash at EKSUTH: DSS Officials, Doctors, and Private Guards Lock Horns

Tensions flared at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado Ekiti on Monday, as a confrontation erupted between personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS), doctors, and private security guards. The altercation escalated when a woman purporting to be a medical doctor affiliated with the DSS reportedly led a group of operatives to confront a doctor on duty, accusing him of negligence towards a patient she had brought to the hospital.

In response, the DSS personnel allegedly resorted to physical violence, with one operative purportedly firing a shot into the air before apprehending and assaulting a hospital security guard. The guard was subsequently detained by the operatives, prompting outrage from medical staff and calls for intervention from relevant authorities.

Dr. Famous Adeyemi, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at EKSUTH, condemned the incident, highlighting the recurring nature of such attacks on healthcare workers. Speaking to reporters, Dr. Adeyemi emphasized the need for urgent action to safeguard the welfare and security of medical personnel. He expressed dismay over the DSS’s actions and urged government intervention to address the escalating violence against healthcare workers within the hospital premises. Additionally, Dr. Adeyemi announced plans for a collaborative effort among various hospital unions to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the safety of staff and property.

Eyewitness Accounts: Condemnation and Calls for Justice

Supporting Dr. Adeyemi’s account, Mrs. Omotola Farotimi, Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Union at EKSUTH, provided a firsthand description of the clash, denouncing the behavior of the DSS personnel as unwarranted. Her testimony underscored the severity of the situation and reinforced the urgent need for accountability and justice. Meanwhile, a security officer who was injured during the altercation shared his harrowing experience from his hospital bed, echoing the demand for justice and reiterating the traumatic impact of the confrontation.

Path to Resolution: Investigation and Dialogue

Following the confrontation, representatives from the DSS engaged in discussions with hospital management, pledging to initiate an investigation into the reported incidents of violence involving their operatives. While this step offers a glimmer of hope for resolution, the broader issue of ensuring the safety and security of healthcare workers remains unresolved. As stakeholders await the outcome of the investigation, pressure mounts on authorities to implement concrete measures to prevent future clashes and uphold the fundamental rights of medical personnel.

Unscrupulous Elements Threaten Operations at EKSUTH

In recent weeks, the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has faced mounting challenges as unscrupulous elements continue to disrupt its operations, putting the lives of medical practitioners and patients at risk. The recurring incidents have sparked concerns among the hospital staff and the local community, prompting calls for immediate action from the state government.

The latest disruption marks the second occurrence within a month, with individuals reportedly invading the hospital premises and interfering with its activities. Such brazen acts not only hamper the delivery of vital medical services but also create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among both healthcare workers and patients. The need for stringent security measures to safeguard EKSUTH and its dedicated staff has become more pressing than ever.

Calls for Government Intervention

The incessant disruptions at EKSUTH have underscored the urgent need for decisive action from the Ekiti State government. With the safety and well-being of both medical personnel and patients hanging in the balance, authorities must prioritize the protection of the hospital and its vital functions. Addressing this growing threat requires a multifaceted approach, including the deployment of adequate security personnel and the implementation of robust security protocols to deter future incidents.

Furthermore, efforts must be intensified to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind these disruptive acts, ensuring that they are held accountable for their actions. The state government must collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate these incidents thoroughly and prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. Only through swift and decisive intervention can EKSUTH and its staff be shielded from further harm, allowing them to fulfill their crucial role in providing quality healthcare services to the people of Ekiti State.