By Parrot Newspaper 
Ondo Government Vows Investigation Following Parrot Newspaper’s Report on UNIMEDTH Casket Sales
Government Reacts After Parrot Newspaper’s Investigative Report
The Ondo State government has responded to public outrage following an investigative report by Parrot Newspaper exposing the open display and sale of caskets within the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) premises in Akure, read here.
The state government, through its special adviser on health matters, Simidele Odimayo, assured that a thorough investigation is underway to address the situation.
Public Outcry and Psychological Concerns
The revelation sparked widespread concern among citizens and professional bodies, particularly the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), which condemned the practice. The union highlighted the psychological toll such an environment could have on patients and their families, stressing that a hospital should be a place of healing and hope, not a reminder of mortality.
In a communique issued last Friday, the NUJ labeled the presence of casket vendors within the hospital facility as “highly inappropriate” and called for its immediate relocation. Additionally, the journalists urged the Ondo State government to declare a state of emergency in public hospitals to address systemic healthcare challenges.
Government’s Commitment to Healthcare Reform
Addressing the media, Mr. Odimayo reassured the public of the government’s commitment to upholding healthcare standards and ensuring an optimal healing environment for patients. He noted that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had already embarked on several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure in the state.
Ongoing Healthcare Improvements at UNIMEDTH
The special adviser emphasized that the government is actively enhancing medical facilities across the state, citing recent developments at UNIMEDTH:
Expansion Projects: Several new buildings and hospital wings are near completion, addressing overcrowding and ensuring better patient care.
Staffing and Training: The hospital boasts nearly 2,000 personnel, with ongoing recruitment and training programs to bolster service delivery.
Facility Upgrade: Efforts are underway to modernize hospital equipment and upgrade service delivery standards.
Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) Adesina Akintan also echoed these improvements, noting that the hospital is seeing significant expansion efforts to accommodate the growing number of patients. He reassured the public that congestion issues would soon be mitigated as construction nears completion.
Investigative Findings and the Path Forward on Ondo Government Vows Investigation Following Parrot Newspaper’s Report
While the government acknowledges the concerns raised by journalists and the public, it insists on verifying the authenticity of the claims before taking definitive action. However, there is a growing consensus that the presence of casket vendors within a hospital setting is insensitive and counterproductive to the healing process.
Parrot Newspaper will continue to monitor the investigation closely, ensuring that the government’s promises translate into tangible actions. The people of Ondo deserve a healthcare system that prioritizes their well-being, and this issue remains a test of the administration’s resolve to uphold medical ethics and hospital decorum.
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