OSUN State government, on Thursday, said medical services in some primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the state were disrupted on Wednesday after some court-sacked local government officials invaded their centres unlawfully.
The government said the development created an atmosphere of apprehension for medical personnel and patients due to the unauthorised visitation.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr Ak-indele Adekunlenin, in a statement said: “The furore that the disturbance generated is the height of the political cri-sis that arose from the forceful attempt to takeover local councils in the state by the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite the existence of a court judgment sacking them.
“The unusual incident halted operations in the affected healthcare centres (PHCs) for most part of Wednesday, putting the lives of many patients who had gone to seek services at great risk.”
He stressed further that, the invasion of PHCs by the sacked officials was unlawful and disruptive, just as he urged health workers to resist attempts by desperate politicians to turn their place of work to arena of absurd politicking.
Dr Adekunlenin noted “no local government official has the authority to inspect or interfere with the operations of our PHCs without express approval from the Primary Healthcare Board in Osogbo.
Any genuine inquiry regarding healthcare administration should be directed to the appropriate authorities and not through unlawful, politically-motivated intrusions.
“We have received credible reports that one of the illegal chairmen, Mr Lanre Balogun, from llesa East Local Government, on Wednesday, conducted an unauthorised so-called ‘working visit’ to several PHCs, including Oke-oye PHC (Ward 8), Irojo PHC (Ward 9), Okesa PHC (Ward 7), llemo PHC (Ward 4), and Ijamo PHC (Ward 5). This illegal incursion is a blatant act of lawlessness, and we warn all PHC staff to distance themselves from these unau-thorised visitors.
“Disturbingly, these illegal visitors are not coming in peace. Reports indicate that they are moving around with armed thugs and dangerous weapons, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within our healthcare facili-ties. This reckless behaviour is not only a threat to our dedicated health workers, but also endangers the lives of vulnerable patients who depend on these centres for critical care.
“We want to make it abundantly clear that Osun people must hold these APC operatives accountable for any harm inflicted on our healthcare workers or disruption of medical services. The state government will not fold its arms while political desperadoes put the lives of innocent citizens at risk.
“The health and safety of our medical personnel and patients remain our top priority. As such, we strongly advise all PHC workers to refuse engagement with
these illegal visitors. Should they appear at any facility, staff must immediately refer them to the Primary Healthcare Board in Osogbo and continue their work without interference.
“Osun State government remains committed to protecting public health
institutions from political interference. Our administration will not tolerate any attempt to destabilise the healthcare system for selfish political gains. Any individual or group caught disrupting services will be dealt with according to the full weight of the law.
“We call on security agencies to closely monitor this situation and take decisive action against anyone found violating public order.
The people of Osun State must remain vigilant and report suspicious activities at healthcare facilities to the appropriate authorities.
“This government stands firmly with healthcare workers and the residents of Osun State. We will continue to provide an enabling environment for quality healthcare delivery, free from intimidation, harassment. Let it be known: Osun State belongs to the people, not to political thugs,” Dr Adekunlenin said.
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