Ekiti State Government Establishes Panel to Investigate Assaults on EKSUTH Staff
The formation of the panel follows swift action taken by the government in response to the assaults, including the apprehension and charging of suspects, as well as the implementation of security measures within the hospital premises.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Ekiti State Government has formed a 10-member panel to investigate recent incidents of assaults on doctors and other healthcare workers at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) in Ado Ekiti. The panel, co-chaired by Dr. Femi Thomas and Dr. Sunkanmi Alabi, will also examine perceived poor attitudes of health workers and propose measures to enhance the quality of care at the hospital's Accident and Emergency Department.
Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the Commissioner for Health, has mandated the committee to submit an interim report within 72 hours and a comprehensive report within two weeks. Additionally, a capacity-building program for all staff members will be initiated to ensure optimal service delivery and create a safer work environment.
The formation of the panel follows swift action taken by the government in response to the assaults, including the apprehension and charging of suspects, as well as the implementation of security measures within the hospital premises. The government has also acknowledged concerns raised by patients regarding challenges in accessing healthcare services at EKSUTH and has pledged to address these issues effectively.
In January, six drivers were arraigned in court over an attack on EKSUTH, assault on personnel, and vandalization of hospital property following the death of a patient. The defendants were accused of forcibly removing the deceased's corpse from the hospital premises.
The Ministry of Health directed the EKSUTH Board to establish the review panel to thoroughly investigate the complaints, with the aim of addressing the concerns raised by both staff and the public.
