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The management of General Hospital Somolu has denied allegations of poor fund utilisation and lack of accountability in the management of its indigent fund scheme.
The Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Mustapha Adebola Quadri, made the clarification in a statement issued in response to claims by the Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA), Buna Olaitan Isiak.
Quadri stated that the indigent fund scheme, provided by the Chairman of Somolu Local Government, has been managed with “a high level of diligence, transparency and accountability.”
He explained that the scheme operates under a structured framework coordinated by the hospital’s Social Welfare Department, which identifies eligible beneficiaries through socio-economic assessments and formal referrals from the local government and relevant organisations.
According to him, the process ensures that only genuinely indigent patients benefit from the scheme, thereby promoting fairness and sustainability.
“All disbursements from the indigent fund are properly documented, with records maintained for review, while periodic internal audits are conducted and reports submitted to appropriate authorities,” he said.
The MD further noted that the hospital management has consistently encouraged oversight and remains open to constructive engagement aimed at improving the scheme.
Addressing specific allegations, Quadri refuted claims that the fund ever reached N2 million, insisting that such assertions were inaccurate. He also dismissed claims that a certain Comrade Monsur Akinyemi had visited the hospital’s welfare department to lodge complaints.
On the origin of the scheme, he clarified that the initiative was not introduced by HURMA but was conceived by the hospital management and later supported by former Somolu Local Government Chairman, AbdulHameed Salau, who approved an initial N1 million intervention fund.
He added that the current Chairman, Lateef Ashimi, has since increased the fund to N3 million to enhance support for indigent patients.
Quadri also denied allegations that the hospital withholds drugs or turns away indigent patients, stressing that available medications are dispensed free of charge to qualified beneficiaries.
He explained that the Social Welfare Department applies a standardised assessment template to determine eligibility, ensuring that the scheme is not abused.
The hospital, however, acknowledged operational challenges, particularly the increasing patient load driven by improved service delivery and referrals beyond what the scheme can cover.
He noted that such constraints may create a perception of inefficiency but insisted they are systemic issues rather than evidence of mismanagement or lack of transparency.
Quadri further disclosed that all patients treated at the facility are captured on an electronic medical records system to ensure proper documentation and continuity of care.
He said the hospital is exploring additional measures to strengthen transparency, including more frequent stakeholder briefings, issuance of dedicated beneficiary cards, establishment of a separate medication shelf for the scheme, and improved public communication on fund utilisation.
The management reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and quality healthcare delivery, while expressing willingness to engage with stakeholders and civil society groups to address concerns and enhance the impact of the indigent fund scheme.
