A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu (APC- Eti-Osa II) on Sunday, decried alleged ill-treatment meted out to patients in some hospitals across the state.
Yishawu expressed his worries at the 10th Assembly inaugural reception for his constituents in Ikoyi,  Lagos.

Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the ceremony, Yishawu said the inability of patients to understand their rights had led to loss of lives in both private and government hospitals in the state.

Yishawu said the ill-treatment of patients had become rampant because most patients in both private and government hospitals never understood their rights.

According to him, this has led to complications arising from ill-treatment or maltreatment by medical personnel in hospitals across the state and even like loss of lives in some instances.

Yishawu said  already, he had a bill with the title;  “Lagos Patients Right” that would guarantee rights of patients in both private and government hospitals.

“The Patients Right Bill is to protect the rights of patients in hospitals from negligence, possible over billing and ill-treatment or maltreatment in hospitals.

“The bill will also document the minimum condition of service expected of a medical facility in the treatment of patients in  Lagos located in the state .

“This bill is in addition to the two bills namely: Lagos State Urban and Regional Data Surveillance Bill and the Lagos Research Trust Fund Bill, that will be presented as soon as plenary resumed,” he stated.

Yishawu said  the three bills which were ready, would be presented before the house for deliberation and passage for assent by the governor.

The lawmaker, also a former chairman, house committee on budget, further gave an assurance that he would work with his colleagues to ensure speedy passage of the three bills.

He explained that the second bill was to establish the Lagos State Urban and Regional Data Surveillance that would register all buildings used for commercial purpose and  create awareness  for the use of close circuit television.

Yishawu noted that the development  was for the purpose of surveillance, monitoring and facilitating the provision of footages of potential harmful and dangerous occurrence in the building and adjoining public areas within the state.

According to him, the proposed bill will further enhance security and assist any relevant investigation by law enforcement agencies.

Speaking on the Research Trust Fund Bill, Yishawu said the objective of the bill was to allocate funds to researchers who desired to carry out research work that were of public interest.

Yishawu said the fund shall be funded through the allocation from the state, contributions from relevant ministries and agencies, aids and donors from the public.

“The third bill I am looking at, is a bill to set up Research Fund whereby scholars and researchers within our state can access funds to carry out research particularly on diseases.

“The beauty about the bill is that the fund will not be restricted to health and medical alone, it will also be extended to digital space innovation.

“I believe this bill will be achievable because there are researchers with ideas who can come up with solutions in our day to day needs,” he said.

On his agenda for his constituents, the lawmaker promised an improved health insurance scheme, people-centred representation, health support and skills acquisition, amongst other things.

While appreciating his constituents for giving him their mandate to serve for another term, he promised not to rest on his oars in ensuring improved programmes for them.

Yishawu said he remained fully committed to the welfare and up-skilling of the people of Eti-Osa Constituency II, especially the youths.

“The pact I have with you remains unbroken. Together, we shall continue to push further, taking on new frontiers for the good of the people of Eti-Osa constituency II,” he said.

The lawmaker lauded them for the trust and confidence they had reposed in him over time, praying that by the grace of God, the future would be better for the constituency. (NAN)