The leadership of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has maintained that the organization shall continue to consider the death of every Nigerian from poor health facilities as “State Murder” and the Government shall be held liable and considered guilty for either deliberate commission or negligence.
This position was expressed by the Executive Director of HURMA, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak at a short visit to Somolu General Hospital, Lagos State on Thursday 26th of October, 2023.
The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), a mass membership based organization had proposed a visit to inspect the newly commissioned Emergency Center of the Somolu General Hospital under the watch and supervision of
Dr. Saliu Olugbenga Oseni, the outgoing Medical Director of the Hospital.
HURMA sent out open invitation to the entire public to join in the visit for the general progress of all.
The invitation letter signed by the Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak was titled: “Still On Somolu General Hospital – INVITATION TO MARK PROGRESS”. The body reads in part:
“Charter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, speaks on the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy (Fundamental Obligation of the Government). Section 17, subsection 3(d) says: The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that: there are adequate medical and health facilities for all persons.
“This has been the bases of our agitations during the Dullar Regime, so far. Though the promise of the Lagos First Lady, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and the Chairman of Somolu L.G, Salaudeen Dullar to our office is yet to be fulfilled.
“The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) hereby invite you to join us in a short visitation to the newly established Emergency Center of Somolu General Hospital.
“The new Emergency Center is a progress for those in Somolu and beyond and must be appreciated by all of us.”
Before the visitation to the Emergency Center, a round table discussion was held at the conference room of Somolu General Hospital where the new Medical Director, Dr. Babalola Ogungbemile was officially introduced to HURMA leadership by the outgoing Medical Director, Dr. Oseni who has been newly posted to Surulere General Hospital.
Also present at the round table discussion was the Supervisor for Health for Somolu Local Government, Comrade Hon. Ladi Omifare; Comrade Elijah Ojo from Campaign For Democracy CD, and some Somolu community leaders among others.
In the opening remarks, the Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak said though the newly commissioned Emergency Center is a welcome development that must be appreciated by the human rights community, it is important to as well seize the opportunity to remind both the Local and the State Government of the yet to be fulfilled promise for a better developed hospital structure as promised by both the Lagos first lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and the Chairman of the Local Government, Sallawudeen Dullar.
“It is also our intention to use this medium to start a public campaign for the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme in order to address the plights of indigent patients whose families pay regular visit to the Central office of Human Rights Monitors in Somolu.”
The outgoing Medical Director, Dr. Gbenga Oseni expressed deep appreciation for the selfless service of HURMA and as well explained recent development and challenges faced by the General Hospital.
Dr. Oseni, a general surgeon who was described by the new Medical Director as a workaholic and rear gem among his colleagues, said both the Lagos first lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Govern Baba-jide Sanwo-Olu have demonstrated a sincere interest in bringing Somolu General Hospital to a first class standard.
“Governor Baba-jide Sanwo-Olu has always been very supportive to health sectors and the first lady very interested in the development of this hospital to a first class standard”
“Within just one year, over 250 critical surgery have been done here. This include breast cancer among others serious cases.
“There is also a ward now established for children though with some difficulties.
“The newly established Emergency Center was well encouraged by the First lady and the development is still ongoing.
“The Somolu Emergency Center is now one of the best in Lagos State, though we have a challenge of more needed manpower”.
In a further interview, Dr. Saliu Olugbenga Oseni said that Health is essential service and so the health service providers should as well be treated as essential.
“We are also among suffering Nigerians whose fundamental Human Rights should as well be addressed.
“We are appealing for a Medical Commission to be set up that will ensure standard salary and general welfare of the health workers, just like we have in the Judiciary, Military among others. This will reduce the desperation for traveling abroad to seek for greener pastures by professionals in the field”.
The Supervisor for Health for Somolu Local Government, Comrade Hon. Ladi Omifare in his contribution, identified the new Medical Director,
Dr. Babalola Ogungbemile as a son of the soil in Somolu Community with whom they both attended same primary and secondary schools in the community. He finally gave the assurance that the local government will work together with the human rights body to ensure that the Somolu General Hospital gives the best achievable to the community. Moreso, to give every support for the proposed mass campaign for the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme.
HURMA Executive Director, Buna Isiak expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing Medical Director and assured him of being celebrated by the human rights community.
“We shall continue to celebrate every pro people element identified, either in government or private establishment.
“Some of us don’t pray to be millionaire, for the fact that we can die at anytime. But we are determined to spend everything we have, for service to humanity. This is the reality of some of our doctors, like Dr. Saliu Olugbenga Oseni, a scares general Surgeon, who deliberately refused to JAPA despite available opportunities. We say Solidarity forever, and together we shall make Nigeria great “.