Youth Barricade Hospital Entrance Disrupting Medical Services - Ebonyi State

A group of young people from Ohatekwe village in Isieke community of Ebonyi State at weekend disrupted medical services at the Mile 4 Missionary Hospital in the area.
Approximately 30 youths barricaded the hospital’s entrance and prevented patients from entering the building.

They also made the hospital officials discharge admitted patients.
The situation caused chaos at the hospital as those who had patients there took them away, including pregnant women. Chibueze Egwu, the leader of the youths, explained to the journalists that they took the action due to the failure of the hospital’s authorities to abide by an agreement.

According to the claims, the hospital has an agreement over developmental issues with the community, which is located in the Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state.
“But the hospital reneged on the agreement to release funds for the provision of basic amenities in the community, such as water, electricity, among others.
"We are making these demands because the hospital is situated on our land,” Egwu said.
But while commenting the issue, the hospital’s Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Mrs Mercy Ozoenyi, said the youths did not accept any incentive given to them by the hospital.
The official also mentioned that the youth had rejected all entreaties for peaceful resolution, but cordoned off the hospital's entrance preventing the hospital workers from performing their duties.
"They told us to forcefully discharge all patients, including pregnant women and those who just gave birth,” she said.
The traditional ruler of the community, Mr Emmanuel Aji-gbo, promised to do everything possible to quickly resolve the issue.
When contacted, DSP Sylvester Igbo, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi Command, said the matter had not been officially reported to the command.


Source: NAN