Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Lagos State Government has advised healthcare executives in the state to fix any problems in their facilities immediately to avoid being embarrassed by patients.
The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health Service Commission, Dr. Eniayewun Ademuyiwa, who gave the advice, urged the hospital heads to be proactive in dealing with patients’ needs, stressing that any lack of concern could result in criticism on social media.
Speaking at a strategic leadership and financial management retreat for no fewer than 180 healthcare executives in general hospitals across the state, Ademuyiwa pointed out that healthcare providers need to recognise the important role that patients play in their health.
While advising hospital managers to deploy a first-strike leadership in attending to issues, the PS urged them not to give room for errors that could be taken to social media.
He emphasised that social media has given a voice to patients to protest against poor services and also condemn any hospitals not meeting expectations.
He lamented that the government being dragged on social media has a lot of disadvantages.
Ademuyiwa urged hospital managers to put in place resilience processes and solve problems without leaving any weak links.
He said, “As hospital managers, the kind of leadership you need to deploy is not pedestrian. It is what we call first-strike leadership. You need to be proactive; you get it right the first time, there is no room for errors and you must bring your best game. You bring your first foot forward.
“The hospitals must be prepared at all times 24/7. There are times when some things happen in your hospital and you will say you will fix it tomorrow, you should fix it immediately. Don’t wait till tomorrow because you may find yourself embarrassed if you don’t fix it immediately.
“And because of ‘Mr google’ and some other things, a lot of patients are well enlightened. They can easily consult ‘Mr. Google’. So, they have a voice. Some will even tell you they want this and that.
“If they don’t get what they want, they can protest and sometimes go on social media. And anytime they have bad services and they put it on social media, it becomes a lot of problem for the system.
“So we must in this day and age give our best and make sure we are not in the news for the wrong reasons. There can also be litigation.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the visit of Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa to his office, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the health sector.
The governor noted that his government will continue to ensure that quality healthcare service is accessible and affordable to residents of the state.
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