Foundation calls on Nigerians to defend patients’ rights
By Blessing Ibegbu
The Disney Nwanne Foundation (DNF) on Saturday urged Nigerians to actively speak out against any infringement on patients’ rights.
The call was made by Mr Martins Nwanne, the founder and convener of the foundation, at its 5th Annual Celebration, which took place at the Esu Karu Palace in Karu, Nasarawa State.
The Disney Nwanne Foundation is a nonprofit organisation founded in memory of Disney Nwanne, who tragically passed away due to medical professional misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s event is “Strengthening Patients’ Rights Advocacy As A Catalyst to Enhancing Health Care Delivery.”
Nwanne emphasised that when people, particularly patients, failed to speak out against violations of patients’ rights, it hindered the government’s ability to act.
He urged that incidents should be reported, investigated, and addressed with solutions.
“Over the years, the foundation has been involved in various forms of patient sensitisation on patients’ rights, including jingles, periodic meetings, and symposia to educate both patients and healthcare professionals.
“Our medical outreach programmes have also provided healthcare services to communities in need,” Nwanne stated.
Nwanne further stressed that while the Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBOR) was a valuable document, it required urgent review to make it more actionable and acceptable to all stakeholders.
NAN reports that as part of the event, the foundation provided food and clothing materials to families and children in need within the Karu community.
A medical outreach was also conducted, offering free healthcare services, including malaria testing and treatment, blood pressure checks, sugar level assessments, peptic ulcer treatment, and food distribution to 100 individuals.
Government representatives also spoke on the importance of protecting patients’ rights and voicing concerns.
Mr Femi Stephen, Assistant Chief Scientific Officer at the Federal Ministry of Health, highlighted the role of accurate and timely information in respecting patients’ rights.
He lauded the foundation’s work and encouraged organisations to share valuable health information with the public.
Mrs Bridget Etim, representing the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), urged patients to assert their rights, including asking questions about medications and their effects.
She also emphasised the importance of empathy and sympathy from healthcare workers, as their actions could significantly impact a patient’s healing process.
Mrs Grace John, a representative of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), commended the foundation and other speakers.
She advocated for the rights of healthcare workers, stressing the importance of good welfare to avoid issues like the “Japa syndrome,” where workers leave due to poor conditions.
John also advised patients to always verify if their healthcare providers were licensed.
In a goodwill message, Dr Danladi Cheshi, the Karu District Head, representing the Esu Karu, Mr Luka Baba-Panya, thanked the foundation for raising awareness.
He also encouraged patients to visit hospitals regularly rather than waiting until they were severely ill.
His Royal Highness, Sa’in Katsina, Alhaji Abbah Muktar, a member of the Board of Trustees, also commended the foundation for its efforts and encouraged patients to speak up about their healthcare concerns.
Muktar lauded the convener for turning personal grief into a powerful advocacy for patient rights.
NAN also reports that the Disney Nwanne Foundation continues to advocate for better relationships between patients and caregivers, as well as reforms in the healthcare system.
The foundation is supported by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the National Orientation Agency, and the New Apostolic Church. (NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
Published By
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Editor/Assistant Chief Correspondent,
FCT Correspondent,
NAN Abuja.
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