Opinions
UMTH:…and the testimonies of patients and patient relations
UMTH:…and the testimonies of patients and patient relations
By: Dr. James BWALA
Recently, one of our colleagues was hospitalized at the UMTH, and I have the ability to constantly be in touch from my base. I have spoken to colleagues and relatives, and the testimonies coming from them were spirited about how the UMTH cares for its patients, putting humanity to duty.
I had thought this was because the patient is one of the media personalities, and as such, the hospital was doing everything to ensure the best was offered. At a point, I had the pleasure of seeking some assistance for wavers on the hospital bills on behalf of the said colleague, and the CMD graciously agreed to give such assistance to a colleague in need.
I thought that was perhaps because of the relationship the media and UMTH had built over time. But again, I was wrong in this judgment because such wavers of assistance and this hand of fellowship by the CMD, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, had been extended to patients coming from far and near, making UMTH one of the most humane health institutions in the country today.
I have seen bad professionalism and inhumane acts by professionals in public health institutions in the country, especially in the government hospital in Abuja, where patients are being attended to based on the heaviness of their pockets.
When I learned of the cost of the hospital bed for a VIP side room at the UMTH, I told a colleague that the UMTH is humane compared to what I know of at places like the Aso Koro General Hospital, Nyanya, Maitama, Gwagwalada, and the National Hospital in Abuja, and no amount of complaints or pleading by patients or patient relations can be heard if the pocket does not speak first. And the lowest of the luxurious rooms, not a VIP side room, is going for N10,000 and above. No option!
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About two weeks ago, I heard a chat with someone whose wife was hospitalized, and he was complaining about the issues of lightening in the hospital. However, after that chat and the issue was fixed, he literally call back to appreciate the speed with which the technical staff took in ensuring that adequate light was provided despite the current situation of a hike in diesel prices and the resources coming to the hospital, in which the generated revenue was not enough to power the hospital’s need for electricity for one month.
From another expression, a Letter of Appreciation for the UMTH Medical Team reads:
Dear Professor Ahidjo (CMD),
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude to the entire medical team at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for the exceptional care and support provided to my late son, Shafiq, during his illness.
From the moment Shafiq was admitted to UMTH, your team demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and dedication in attending to his medical needs. Your expertise and tireless efforts in diagnosing and treating his condition were evident, and we felt reassured knowing he was in capable hands.
Moreover, the kindness and empathy shown by every member of the medical staff did not go unnoticed. Your willingness to listen to our concerns, answer our questions, and provide regular updates on Shafiq’s progress was invaluable during such a challenging time for our family.
While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, I want to acknowledge the immense comfort and support your team provided to both Shafiq and our family, particularly the role played by Prof. Ahidjo, Prof. Sandabe, and Prof. Sanusi throughout his stay at UMTH. Your unwavering commitment to delivering quality healthcare, even in the face of adversity, is truly commendable and speaks volumes about the professionalism and compassion of UMTH’s medical staff.
Please convey our heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved in Shafiq’s care, including doctors, nurses, technicians, and support staff. Your dedication to your profession and your patients makes a difference in the lives of so many, and we will forever be grateful for the care and attention Shafiq received under your watchful care.
Thank you once again for your exemplary service and for making a difficult time more bearable for our family.
With sincere appreciation,
Prof. Abdulkarim Ishaq
Perhaps one may think that there has been a longtime relationship with the system among those who are speaking or writing to appreciate the hospital and management team led by Professor Ahmed Ahidjo. The truth is that I have also interacted with patients being referred from far and near who spoke well of the hospital and its kind of professionals in my recent visit to Maiduguri. Some describe the hospital as a hallmark of excellence, and I agree with them. In a video I watched, a patient from Oyo State also spoke volumes of humane and professional lines from his testimony of both the medical and technical teams at the UMTH.
A patient from Ibadan, Oyo state.
When patients or their relatives speak about the treatment they received from medical personnel, they always speak from their heart because, at that moment, they are prompted by either the satisfaction they received or otherwise. And for UMTH, these patients and their relatives have no regrets about meeting the team.
** James BWALA, PhD writes from Abuja
UMTH:…and the testimonies of patients and patient relations