The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has launched an investigation into the alleged healthcare neglect by Maitama District Hospital in Abuja, following the death of Greatness Olorunfemi. In a statement by Babatunde Irukera, the executive vice chairman of FCCPC, the investigation aims to determine whether Ms Olorunfemi’s death was a result of failure to adhere to the commission’s Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBoR). The investigation will also examine other enforceable legal instruments related to patient care, particularly in emergency situations involving victims of criminal conduct.
The FCCPC welcomes the commitment of the Office of FCT Secretary for Health Services and Environment to conduct a transparent investigation, including a coroner’s inquest, into the matter. There are conflicting accounts as to whether Ms Olorunfemi received appropriate care, delayed the production of a police report, or was brought in Dead on Arrival (DoA). The commission has therefore initiated an investigation to address these concerns.
Of particular concern is whether Ms Olorunfemi’s death was a result of failures related to the commission’s Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBoR) or other enforceable legal instruments pertaining to patient care. This is especially relevant in emergency situations where victims of criminal conduct require immediate attention. As the facility in question is a government institution, the commission has engaged with relevant stakeholders in order to conduct a limited inquiry into the consumer protection aspects of the events.
The FCCPC looks forward to participating, supporting, and collaborating with the FCT Administration in the investigation. Ms Olorunfemi, a member of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, was reportedly thrown from a moving vehicle along the Maitama-Kubwa highway. According to Moyosoluwa Oladayo, the YALI Network Abuja coordinator, the deceased died due to delays by healthcare workers at the Maitama District Hospital, who insisted on a police report before providing treatment.
