Renowned journalist Agba Jalingo has raised serious allegations against the antenatal department of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). According to Jalingo, patients at the hospital are being asked to purchase fuel for hospital generators even after settling their medical bills. This accusation has sparked outrage and raised concerns over the management of public healthcare facilities in Nigeria.
Allegations of Fuel Purchase Request
In a public statement, Jalingo claimed that the antenatal department at UCTH routinely asks expectant mothers and other patients to buy fuel for the hospital’s generators before receiving treatment. This comes after patients have already paid for antenatal services, leading to accusations of exploitation and mismanagement. Jalingo expressed shock and dismay that a public hospital would place such a burden on vulnerable patients, particularly pregnant women.
Impact on Patients
Jalingo’s accusations have highlighted the hardship faced by patients in UCTH’s antenatal department. For many, the demand to purchase fuel adds an unexpected financial burden, especially for those from low-income backgrounds who are already struggling to afford medical care. Pregnant women, who require consistent monitoring and care, are particularly affected by these additional costs, making healthcare even less accessible for many families.
Calls for Accountability
Following Jalingo’s revelations, there have been widespread calls for accountability from UCTH management. Many are questioning how a public hospital could fail to provide essential services, such as power, without relying on patients to cover the costs. Critics argue that the hospital’s administration must be held accountable for allowing such practices, which are seen as both unethical and exploitative.
Hospital Management Yet to Respond
At the time of Jalingo’s public disclosure, UCTH management has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. The silence from the hospital administration has raised further concerns, with many demanding a formal investigation into the matter. Healthcare advocates have called on government authorities to intervene, ensuring that hospitals like UCTH maintain the highest standards of care without imposing additional financial stress on patients.
Healthcare Challenges in Nigeria
Jalingo’s accusations also bring attention to the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in public hospitals. Issues such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent power supply continue to plague many medical institutions across the country. The situation at UCTH is not unique, as many hospitals struggle to provide basic services without turning to desperate measures like asking patients to cover operational costs.
Public Outcry on Social Media
The issue has generated significant public debate on social media, where many have shared their personal experiences with the Nigerian healthcare system. Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms have seen an outpouring of support for Jalingo’s expose, with Nigerians calling for reforms to address the systemic problems in public hospitals. Some users have even called for a boycott of UCTH until the situation is resolved.
Calls for Government Intervention
In response to the allegations, activists and healthcare advocates are calling on the Nigerian government to take immediate action. They are urging authorities to investigate the management of UCTH and other public hospitals, ensuring that patients are not forced to bear the cost of basic services. Many believe that a lack of oversight has allowed such practices to persist unchecked, and they are demanding stronger regulation and reform.
Importance of Transparency in Healthcare
Jalingo’s accusations underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Public hospitals, which are meant to serve all citizens regardless of income, must operate in a way that prioritizes patient welfare over profit or mismanagement. The demand for fuel purchases at UCTH raises serious ethical concerns and highlights the need for systemic change to protect patients’ rights.
A Call for Change
Agba Jalingo’s allegations against UCTH have brought attention to a troubling issue in Nigeria’s public healthcare system. As the public awaits a response from hospital management, there are growing calls for a thorough investigation and reform. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing healthcare in the country and the urgent need for solutions that prioritize the well-being of patients.
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Written By Fortune Davidson