The Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely, professional and patient-centred healthcare services to residents and neighbouring communities, while addressing concerns about occasional patient waiting periods. The hospital reaffirmed this on Tuesday in Lokoja through a statement signed by its information officer, Onotu Umar, who explained measures being implemented to ensure efficient service delivery and patient satisfaction.

Mr Umar said the facility recognised concerns that could arise from occasional waiting periods patients experience, noting that management remained committed to improving service efficiency while maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery.

He said the hospital attended to large numbers of patients daily and operated largely on a first-come, first-served basis, while prioritising emergency cases according to the urgency and severity of conditions.

He said the arrangement was designed to ensure fairness in service delivery while safeguarding patients whose medical conditions required immediate attention, thereby promoting equitable access to quality healthcare services.

Mr Onotu explained that doctors at the General Outpatient Department also performed other clinical duties, including ward inspections, patient reviews and clinical meetings, which were necessary for comprehensive healthcare coordination.

“These activities are essential to ensuring continuity of care and proper clinical coordination. During such periods, nurses remain available to obtain patients’ vital signs and undertake necessary preliminary assessments before doctors commence outpatient consultations,” he said.

The information officer advised patients to familiarise themselves with designated clinic days for specialised procedures and services, noting that doing so would help reduce delays and improve scheduling efficiency.

He said patients who arrived on days when particular clinics or procedures were not scheduled received appropriate information and guidance on suitable return dates.

Mr Onotu said that the hospital remained mindful of challenges associated with the availability of medical personnel within the health sector and continued pursuing measures to strengthen workforce capacity.

He said Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration had demonstrated commitment to healthcare delivery by approving the recruitment of medical doctors and other critical healthcare personnel across the state.

According to him, the state government also approved motivational allowances for medical doctors, an intervention that had helped improve morale, strengthen dedication and enhance commitment to professional responsibilities.

Mr Onotu said the hospital’s management remained committed to ensuring patients had accessible channels to lodge complaints, make suggestions, and raise concerns about services rendered at the facility.

He said the hospital’s SERVICOM Unit remained operational and available to receive and address patients’ complaints, and that suggestion boxes had also been strategically placed within the healthcare facility.

The information officer said that under the leadership of the chief medical director, Oluseyi Folagbade, the hospital would continue upholding professional standards without compromising quality healthcare delivery and patient welfare.

He said any staff member found wanting in professionalism, punctuality, patient care or conduct would be appropriately addressed through established administrative procedures to maintain institutional standards and accountability.

He assured members of the public that the hospital remained committed to providing effective, compassionate and quality healthcare services for all patients, irrespective of their status, background or circumstances.

(NAN)