Patients’ Bill of Rights Domesticated in Katsina

• Hospitals pledge implementation 

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has domesticated the Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBoR) in Katsina State to tackle abuse of patients by some health workers in the state.

The PBoR was officially domesticated at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Heritage Specialist Hospital and K-Dera Specialist Hospital in Katsina, the state capital.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the commission, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, who spoke during the domestication of the bill, said the FCCPC was committed towards ensuring the protection of patients’ rights.

He explained that the patients’ bill of rights, which was promulgated by the commission in 2018, seeks to ensure the protection of patients’ rights, cleanliness and proper medical attention from health workers.

He said the domestication of the bill in the health facilities would enable patients to recognise their responsibilities in interfacing with the care providers in order to improve the quality of healthcare in the state.

Irukera said: “I strongly believe that this will improve the quality of healthcare, especially in the delivery process. It will increase empathy, sensitivity and responsiveness in the healthcare sector.

“It has been tested and proven already. We are delighted because reputable public and private health institutions in Katsina stand up and are participating in the domestication of the bill”.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, Dr. Suleiman Bello, said the hospital would ensure the implementation of the patients’ bill of rights.

He said the implementation of the domesticated bill would foster a healthcare delivery system that “is truly patient-centred” and compassionate, while ensuring that every person received the care they deserved.

According to him, “As an institution, we will ensure that these rights are not just on paper but are respected and implemented in all circumstances.”