Health
Kwara moves to reopen Cottage Hospital after security concern
By Toheeb Omotayo
The Kwara State Government has commenced moves to restore healthcare services at the Igbaja Cottage Hospital, which was temporarily shut following security concerns in the area.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Press Secretary, Adamu Sabi, the move followed discussions between the management of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, community leaders and elders, hospital staff and relevant security agencies on measures to ensure the safe reopening of the facility.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik, said the government recognised the importance of the facility to residents of the community and neighbouring areas.
Malik said, “The safety of our healthcare workers and patients remains a top priority. At the same time, we recognise the critical role the Cottage Hospital plays in meeting the healthcare needs of Igbaja and surrounding communities.”
“We are therefore working collaboratively with community leaders, hospital staff and relevant security agencies to assess the situation and determine the safest and most appropriate approach to resuming healthcare services.”
The executive secretary explained that the temporary suspension of services was a precautionary measure following security concerns in the area.
He said the board would continue to engage with community leaders, hospital staff and security agencies as the assessment progressed.
Malik assured residents that the board remained committed to restoring healthcare services as soon as the necessary safety conditions were established.
“The safety of our healthcare workers and patients remains a top priority,” he reiterated, adding that the board would not compromise the protection of personnel and patients in its efforts to restore services.
The Director of Medical Services and Training, Dr Joseph Femi, said the collaborative approach would facilitate the safe resumption of healthcare services while ensuring that adequate measures were put in place to protect healthcare workers and patients.
Femi said the involvement of the community and security agencies was essential to creating a conducive environment for healthcare delivery at the facility.
An Igbaja community elder, Elder Olaita Oyin-Zubair, commended the KW-HMB management and healthcare workers for their dedication and professionalism.
Oyin-Zubair assured the board that the community would work with relevant authorities to provide a safe and conducive environment for healthcare delivery.
Also speaking, a former Special Adviser on Media to the Kwara State Governor, Bashir Adigun, commended the initiative, noting that collaboration among the KW-HMB, community leaders, hospital staff and security agencies would help facilitate the safe resumption of healthcare services.
Adigun said the approach would ensure that residents of Igbaja and surrounding communities regain access to essential healthcare services without compromising the safety of healthcare workers and patients.
The KW-HMB management reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure continued access to essential healthcare services for residents of Igbaja and neighbouring communities while prioritising security at the facility.
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