From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
There is panic among patients and residents of Bayelsa State following the destruction of the roof of the main surgical theatre of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Yenagoa.
Sources at the hospital said the heavy downpour on Wednesday November 22 affected the building housing the main theatre forcing the inner roof to cave in.
While staff of the hospital were said to have been happy that the collapsed roof did not hurt anyone, they are however sad that the development means patients’ lives are in danger since surgical operations cannot be carried out at the main theatre for now.
Investigations revealed that several reports and appeals have been made to the hospital management over the deteriorating state of the main theatre but the desired attention was not given until the roof crashed.
A source who pleaded anonymity lamented that the implication of the main surgical theatre at FMC not functional is grave for residents of Bayelsa state because the hospital is the main hospital that attends to the medical needs of Bayelsans.
‘’ It is unfortunate that this has to happen at this time. The emphasis on revenue generation has made those in charge to neglect facilities upgrade. The main theatre is the biggest source of revenue for the hospital yet it was neglected. Now with what has happened, this place cannot generate the required funds,’’ he said.
Findings revealed that the FMC is now left with a small theatre at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department which is the only functional surgical room now to handle emergencies and complicated deliveries.
The development has forced the hospital to cancel all non-essential surgeries while advising patients to take serious surgical cases to private hospitals.
When contacted on phone, the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mr Bernard said he was out of the hospital and would need to visit the main theatre to be able to respond to questions.
One of the persons affected by the cancellation of serious surgeries, Mrs Christiana whose husband is due for surgery early next week, lamented that the family is confused because they cannot afford to pay for surgery in a private hospital.
She appealed to the Bayelsa State government to come to the aid of Bayelsans and help the Federal Government fix the collapsed roof at the hospital.