By Ibironke Ariyo
Dr Yusuf Suberu, representative of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for the United Nations Decade of Action on Injury Prevention, has urged healthcare providers nationwide to prioritise care for accident victims.
Suberu made the call on Monday during his foundation’s courtesy visit to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, where relief supplies and cash gifts were donated to the hospital and accident victims.
Dr Yusuf John-Suberu Foundation donated N500,000 to the hospital and gave accident victims and elderly patients N20,000 each as well as basic necessities such as tissues, antiseptic products, soaps and hand washes.
As the National Coordinator and Head of the FCT Squadron and Mayor of the Federation’s Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Suberu stressed the importance of prompt medical attention to accident victims, noting that timely intervention is crucial to saving lives.
His call to action came following concerns that hospitals are denying emergency treatment to accident victims due to lack of police reports, leading to unnecessary deaths.
Suberu commended FMC Abuja for its prompt response to accident victims and encouraged other government and private hospitals to follow suit.
He shared his personal experiences in bringing accident victims to the hospital, noting that none of them were turned away.
“I want to be practical. I don’t even want to continue my speech. Personal. I have brought several accident victims to this hospital and at no point were they turned away.”
“This is a personal matter. I did not wait for someone to check this hospital for me. And I said to myself: Even though the country is a little tense right now, we are still eating and.” Accidents keep happening.
“If healthcare stakeholders do what they are supposed to do, hospitalized patients will not suffer.
“This is a place to emulate. “Imagine if all other public and private hospitals functioned the same way as this hospital, our healthcare delivery would improve drastically,” he said.
Suberu stressed that prioritizing care for accident victims and working together would prevent unnecessary deaths and reduce the impact of accidents around the world.
He said: “That is why we believe that with the little that God has given us, we will extend a helping hand not only to the patient but also to the hospital.”
“This is because I know that patients who need treatment at a critical time like this sometimes do not have money available.
So, personally, we have a small amount for the hospital and then also a donation for the accident victims.
“Now, this is my way of contributing to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. What I’m trying to say is that it’s not just about what the nation can give you, but also what you can offer.”
Suberu appealed to government at all levels to support and build the necessary machinery that would also help transform the health sector in the country.
He urged commuters and pedestrians to exercise caution when driving or using roads, adding that ember months are accompanied by an increase in vehicular traffic due to celebrations associated with the month.
“This is a hot month, I want to tell all passengers and pedestrians to be careful.”
“Drive as if everyone in Nigeria depends on you. Know that the safety of others is also your own safety. Before crossing the street, pay close attention.”
“When you’re driving, don’t talk on the phone, this second is very important. If you are tired, take time to rest and recharge your batteries to continue your journey,” he said.
FMC’s medical director, Dr. Saad Ahmed, in his reaction, praised the foundation’s “influential gesture towards the hospital and the victims of the accident”.
Ahmed, who was accompanied by FMC’s Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Bioku Muftau, who represented, said the donation addresses challenges faced by accident victims, including anonymity, lack of access to family members, telephones and even funds.
He also said the generous gesture highlighted the importance of community support in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“The victims of the accident were vulnerable people who may be strangers, rich or poor, but who need immediate care.
“This donation will provide essential resuscitation supplies such as intravenous fluids, bandages and sutures, and supporting this foundation sets an example for others in supporting accident victims.”
“We urge other organizations to follow suit and provide more victims with access to quality care. We also believe that timely intervention by doctors with these vital supplies will save lives,” he said.
The event was attended by VIO representatives, members of road safety NGOs and CSOs, and relevant stakeholders, among others.
