International businessman and philanthropist, Citizen Akirika Okoro has expressed dismay over the circulating news about the activities of some private hospitals in Imo State with the accusation of being involved in exploitation of patients and other unethical practices. He described it as very unfortunate and called on the State Government and security agencies not to allow the accusation to be swept under the carpet, but to conduct serious investigations, to ascertain the true position.
In his words, the Owerri Nchi-ise born Political Operator said “I am shocked at the level of the alleged exploitation, manipulation, mistreatment and abuse of patients going on in some private hospitals, despite determined and well noted efforts of the Imo State Government in revamping the health sector”.
“I am passionately calling on the State Government, the Ministry of Health and Security Agencies to collaborate with one another, in order to get to the root of this life threatening matter. The investigations into the activities of private hospitals aligns with the need for government to further regulate the protection of patients from exploitation and further ensure adherence to medical standards. Such thorough investigations should also hold the offending hospitals accountable, which will trigger optimum reforms , such as strengthening oversight functions and mechanisms, enforcing ethical codes, ensuring transparency when billing patients and prevention of medical misconduct “.
Citizen Akirika Okoro, who is the Chief Executive Officer of a popular hospitality investment in the State, further explained why the call for investigation of unethical practices by private hospitals has become necessary. He said, “I appreciate what Governor Hope Uzodimma is doing in the health sector. However, the State Government, through the Ministry of Health and other health institutions have to further regulate and monitor private hospitals healthcare providers to ensure they do not continue to rubbish the achievements of government, through unethical practices, which if unchecked, will lead to untold hardships for patients. Patients rights must be respected, therefore the pursuit of profit should not be allowed to override the responsibility of prioritizing patients well-being”.
Concluding, Citizen Akirika said, “these issues should not be left alone for the State Government. It is a collective responsibility that requires healthcare providers, security agencies and even patients to ensure transparent, trustworthy, effective and efficient healthcare system “.
