COVID-19: Osun govt threatens to shut erring private hospitals

Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

Osun State government has threatened to shut private hospitals, as well as withdraw the owners’ operating licences of such establishments, that attempt to manage COVID-19 cases in their facilities.

Private hospitals were charged to incorporate rapid COVID-19 tests into preliminary medical examinations for patients and make quick referrals to designated government facilities set up to manage COVID-19 cases when tests return positive.

The above warning is coming after the tragic outcomes from professional infractions by some medical facilities and lackadaisical attitude of citizens towards the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation and lead of the Risk Communication team of COVID-19 Management, Funke Egbemode, gave the warning in a statement.

While expressing concern that the pandemic is still much around and deadlier than what it was in its first and second waves, Egbemode said.

“Having examined the rising effects of COVID-19 in the state in recent times, the Government of the State of Osun is worried that in spite of the various measures taken to ensure safety of its citizens, some individuals and institutions have continued to aid the spread of the virus through their flagrant disregard for government’s guidelines.

“The government hereby warns private hospitals to stop attempting to manage COVID-19 cases in their facilities. Also, rapid COVID-19 tests should be incorporated into preliminary medical examinations for patients, and quick referrals  should be made to designated (government) facilities set up to manage COVID-19 cases when tests return positive.

“Private hospitals who go against this directive shall have their establishments shut and the owners’  operating licenses withdrawn.”

Residents are also urged to never let-down their guards but continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical protocols against COVID-19.