‘UCH Embraces Patients of All Ages’: Management Faults Reports on Alleged Refusal To Treat Patient In Hijab
Authorities of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, UCH, has turned down a report that it denied a patient medical treatment on religious ground, for wearing the Hijab.
The hospital’s PRO, Funmi Adetuyibi in a statement on Monday, said the report was made by the patient’s relations.
Adding that the purported report was not only misleading, but also a falsehood aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Hospital.
It further stated that UCH remains steadfast in providing healthcare to individuals without discrimination based on tribe, religion, or ethnicity.
The statement reads:
“The University College Hospital, Ibadan is a National Legacy which serves both Nigerians and foreigners, embracing patients of all ages, genders, and socio-economic status. It is paramount to state here that one of the Hospital’s mantra is “patients comfort” which we have adhered to very strictly”.
“We want to state unequivocally that the University College Hospital, Ibadan does not reject patients on whatever consideration that might be put forward. We serve all patients that come to the hospital with equal attention, be they Hindus, Christians, Muslims and other Faiths including (Atheists). Within the Hospital premises, we have a Mosque led by a Chief Imam, and many of our Doctors, Nurses, Students, and Staff choose to wear their Niqabs, Gowns with Capes without any discrimination against them”.
“However, there are certain areas within the Hospital where vulnerable patients are admitted, and these include Intensive Care Unit (ICUs), Neonatal Wards (I.e C1-2nd), Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), Paediatrics Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Burn Unit ward, Theaters among others. Members of Staff (both Clinical and Non-Clinical), Patients and their relations are restricted from wearing personal dresses in some areas of the Hospital to prevent the potential spread of infections, similarly for security purposes and proper identification because a patient covered up can carry another person’s baby away unnoticed”.
“It is important to note that medical officers, non-medical staff, patient’s relations, are not allowed to wear their regular home/casual dresses, wards coats, in these locations. All these were being explained by the nurse on duty to the complainant”.
“On behalf of the Management, Staff, Students, and our Teeming Patients, We wish to emphasize the importance of abiding by the Hospital’s rules and regulations as we continue to provide excellent healthcare services”.
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