Follow Us on Google
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The US-based Quantus Medical Foundation (QMF) has organised a specialised training programme on compassionate care and emergency preparedness for staff of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, as part of efforts to improve emergency response and end the rejection of patients in critical situations.
The training formed part of the launch of the WeCare Nigeria Initiative, where the foundation also called on hospital management nationwide to enforce a ban on turning away patients during emergencies.
Founder of QMF, Dr Nnenna Ihekoromadu, said the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers to respond promptly and humanely to patients in life-threatening conditions.
She lamented that many patients are still denied care because of challenges such as a shortage of beds, a lack of doctors and understaffing.
“We are urging hospital management to prohibit patient rejection during emergencies, whether during labour or other urgent cases, because Nigerian law explicitly forbids this,” she said. “Unfortunately, many patients are not aware of this law, so there is a need for increased public awareness.”
Dr Ihekoromadu explained that the initiative focuses on empowering healthcare providers rather than apportioning blame, adding that compassion and preparedness are central to quality emergency care.
According to her, UNTH will receive satellite communication tools, uniforms, and walkie-talkies to improve coordination among staff, as well as an expansion of patient capacity in the accident and emergency unit.
She said the engagement featured structured discussions and hands-on training sessions with the hospital’s management, doctors, nurses and porters, aimed at building a culture of compassionate care, rapid response and patient safety.
“This pilot project is designed to be replicated in other hospitals across Nigeria,” she stated.
The Programme Director of WeCare Nigeria, Chibogu Obinwa, said trained hospital ambassadors would lead the drive in emergency units, with the target of achieving zero patient refusal.
“This will lead to zero rejection of patients in emergency situations and create a model of humane and responsive care,” she said.
UNTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof Obinna Onodugo, commended the initiative, saying it aligns with the hospital’s existing commitment to emergency preparedness.
“We conduct quarterly reviews and run a 24-hour SERVICOM desk to ensure timely care for emergency patients,” he said.
