The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Wednesday in Kano North Western Nigeria, advanced cogent reasons for the need for patients who are victims of gunshots and accidents to be given emergency treatment before ascertaining the circumstances surrounding the cause of their injuries.
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Speaking during the training of doctors and nurses on the implementation of the Patients Bill of Rights (PBoR) at the Bristol Palace Hotel, Kano, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Mr Babatunde Irukera, made a strong case for the immediate treatment of accident and gunshot patients at hospitals without recourse to a police report or approval.
The theme of the training is “Strengthening Patient-Centred Care: A Health Care Provider Training.”
The Executive Commissioner, Operations, Dr Adamu Ahmad Abdullahi noted that, “When you have an accident or gunshot victims or patients, our position is that you have to treat the patient first before determining whether it is an accident or a case of crime, because one has to be alive first before anything else.
“The idea behind the training workshop was to inform doctors and nurses on the nitty-gritty of the PBoR so they could acknowledge their obligations and the rights of patients while carrying out their duties.
“The workshop would train the participants to train others on the need to abide by and uphold the Patients’ Bill of Rights, adding that today, we have to listen to the legal perspective and how health practitioners can apply the PBoR,” he added.
He disclosed that, the documentation and unveiling of the Patients’ Bill of Rights across Nigeria is a significant nationwide initiative.
It is part of the National Programme of Action for the Strengthening of the Patients’ Bill of Rights, spearheaded by the FCCPC in collaboration with Ace Associates, who serve as consultants.
He further disclosed that, “This programme aims to ensure that patients’ rights are protected and upheld in healthcare facilities across the country.
“This comprehensive effort involves adopting the PBoR principles and guidelines, raising awareness among healthcare providers, institutions, and the general public about the importance of patient-centred care, and engaging various stakeholders in the healthcare value chain and beyond.
“These stakeholders include public and private healthcare facilities, state governments, and traditional rulers, ensuring an inclusive engagement approach.”
He also noted that the initiative seeks to integrate the principles of patient-centred care effectively across the entire healthcare landscape in Nigeria.
“This approach fosters a culture of respect for patients’ rights and well-being, ultimately contributing to the improvement of healthcare.”
The workshop is for three days were stakeholders are expected to deliver well surrounding the subject matter.
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