The ongoing strike embarked upon by the Joint Health Sectors Union, (JOHESU) has paralysed activities at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).
A visit to the facility by City & Crime on Wednesday, it was observed that patients were turned away while those in the emergency complex were told to vacate.
Also, patients with major health challenges that involved blood transfusion among others were left unattended to and told to visit other hospitals.
Some workers, however, turned the situation to business opportunities, collecting money to direct patients to other “suitable” hospitals.
- Reps mull compulsory genotype tests before marriage certificates’ issuance
- Obasanjo, US Ambassador hold ‘frank discussions’
The records section and haematology department including other sections were shut.
Toilet and other conveniences were eyesore. Those mostly affected are junior workers, most of whom are not medical personnel.
The doctors and nurses on ground lamented the situation complaining about the negative effects on patients.
A nurse explained further to our correspondent that “Nothing is working, you can’t get patients’ records or blood. We have been sending patients back except those with referral.”
A matron who also confided in our reporter said they “have to take up the job of security because those in charge of locking most offices are not around”
Calls to the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Maryam Ajiboye, were not answered. Response to a text message sent to her was still being awaited up till the time of filing of this report.