Shekinat Abubakar
Relatives of patients at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Ondo State, have lamented over what they describe as dehumanizing conditions they endure while keeping vigil for their loved ones on admission at the facility.
It was revealed dozens of caregivers sprawled across the hospital premises at night and during the day, with many forced to sleep in open spaces without any form of shelter.
During investigation, some were seen lying on bare verandas, huddled in narrow corridors, or stretched out under trees, braving scorching sun, chilling cold and even rainfall.
Taye Adeyemi, whose husband has been on admission for over a week said, “They treat us like we don’t matter. There is no shelter for us, no facilities. We sleep on the bare floor outside, sometimes in the rain. It is very demoralizing.”
Beyond the absence of accommodation, relatives also complained about the lack of convenience facilities. The few toilets available in the hospital are reportedly reserved strictly for patients, leaving family members stranded.
“We are left to sort ourselves out. Imagine staying here for days with nowhere decent to ease yourself,” said Mr. Sikiru Oladipo, who has kept vigil at the hospital for six days.
The situation is worsened by an inconsistent water supply within the hospital premises. Caregivers said they are often forced to purchase sachet water outside the hospital for drinking and basic hygiene.
“The little water available here is reserved for patients. We fetch water outside or buy. It is shameful that a federal hospital can not provide something as basic as water”. Another relative said.
Some observers argue that the welfare of relatives is a critical part of the healthcare system, as caregivers provide moral, financial, and emotional support to patients.
FMC Owo is regarded as a major referral center in Ondo State and neighboring communities. But many warn that the sight of relatives sleeping rough on hospital grounds, struggling without shelter, potable water, or convenience facilities, risks tarnishing the hospital’s image as a center of hope.
“This hospital cares for the sick inside, but outside, we are abandoned. Compassion demands that something be done”. another relative fumed.
Stakeholders have therefore urged the hospital management and relevant government authorities to urgently provide modest shelters, potable water, and public conveniences for patient relatives. They insist that such provisions are not luxuries but the barest minimum of human dignity.
Efforts to reach the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Adeagbo Ahmed proved abortive, as calls to his mobile line, and WhatsApp messages were not responded to at the time of filing this report.
