The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it has launched investigation surrounding the alleged refusal of Maitama General Hospital to provide medical attention to Greatness Olorunfemi, which reportedly led to her death.
OBSERVERSTIMES reports that Greatness was reportedly denied medical attention by the hospital after she was taken to the facility following an attack by ‘one chance’ syndicate, who threw her out from a moving vehicle in Abuja.
The Commission commiserates with Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi’s family, friends and associates who are affected by this tragic loss. The Commission has opened an investigation accordingly. Of particular concern is if Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi died on account of failures implicated in the Commission’s Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBoR) or other enforceable legal instruments regarding attention and care to patients generally, and more specifically, in emergency situations where victims of criminal conduct require medical attention.
“Considering the facility concerned is a government institution, upon gathering initial evidence, and the Commission’s determination that there is sufficient basis/probable cause to proceed with a limited inquiry into the consumer protection aspects of the events or series thereof resulting in this fatality; the Commission immediately engaged relevant stakeholders including the Office of the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment for the FCT.
“The Commission welcomes the public statement of the Office of the Secretary announcing a transparent broad investigation including a Coroner’s Inquest; and commends the early intervention/measures pursued by the Office of the Secretary, including assurances to enhance process optimization and compliance with appropriate standards of patient care and safety in accordance with global standards.
FCCPC, in a statement personally signed by its Executive Vice Chairman, Barrister Tunde Irukera, on Saturday, described the incident as sad
The statement read in full : “The Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (“Commission”) has become aware of a sad and unfortunate incident that seemed to start as criminal activity where the victim, Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi appeared to have been attacked by criminal elements, and apparently thrown out of a moving vehicle.
Watchers or passersby who saw her in medical distress provided help and transported her to Maitama District Hospital. Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi tragically, ultimately died. There are disputed accounts of whether she received appropriate care, or delay pending production of a police report, or was brought in Dead on Arrival (DoA).
The Commission looks forward to participating, supporting and collaborating with the FCT administration in this investigation and the aspirations expressed in the statement of the Office of the Secretary.”
