Stakeholders Seek Reforms at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna Over Patient Care Concerns
Stakeholders Seek Reforms at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna Over Patient Care Concerns
Concerned stakeholders have called for a comprehensive review of patient care practices, service delivery standards, and stakeholder relations at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, following growing concerns expressed by some patients, caregivers, and visitors over their experiences at the facility.
The stakeholders, who spoke anonymously to TimesNG, said the hospital remains one of the country’s foremost military healthcare institutions and has contributed significantly to medical service delivery over the years.
However, they noted that recent complaints from members of the public highlight the need for reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, compassion, and patient-centered care.
According to the sources, healthcare institutions are expected to provide not only quality medical treatment but also emotional support, dignity, and respect to patients and their families, particularly during periods of illness and distress.
Some of the concerns raised by patients and caregivers include what they described as unfriendly attitudes by certain personnel toward patients and relatives seeking medical assistance.
The sources noted that while many healthcare workers continue to discharge their duties diligently, complaints of discourteous conduct, inadequate empathy, and poor communication have become recurring issues among some hospital users.
“Patients and their families often arrive at hospitals under emotional and financial pressure. They deserve compassion and understanding alongside medical care,” one source told TimesNG.
The stakeholders also pointed to reports from relatives who alleged difficulties accessing patients within the facility, with some claiming they were denied entry or asked to leave wards despite serving as legitimate caregivers.
While acknowledging the need for hospitals to regulate movement and maintain security, the sources stressed that access-control measures should be implemented in a humane manner that takes into account the emotional well-being of patients and their loved ones.
Concerns were equally raised about perceived delays in certain services, particularly laboratory investigations and patient processing procedures.
According to the sources, prolonged waiting periods without adequate explanations can create anxiety among patients and contribute to dissatisfaction with healthcare delivery.
Another issue highlighted was the conduct of some security personnel within the hospital premises.
Some visitors and relatives reportedly complained of what they perceived as harsh treatment, intimidation, and unnecessary restrictions while attempting to access services or visit admitted patients.
The sources argued that security personnel in healthcare institutions should complement medical services by creating a safe and welcoming environment rather than contributing to tension and discomfort.
Communication between healthcare providers and patients also featured prominently among the concerns.
According to the stakeholders, some families expressed dissatisfaction over what they considered insufficient explanations regarding diagnoses, treatment options, and medical procedures.
They stressed that effective communication remains a critical component of quality healthcare, particularly when patients and relatives are dealing with serious illnesses or difficult medical decisions.
The stakeholders further observed that some patients and relatives felt their complaints were not always addressed satisfactorily, a situation they warned could erode public confidence in the institution if left unresolved.
“Whether these perceptions are accurate or not, they deserve attention because public confidence in healthcare institutions is built not only on clinical outcomes but also on trust, transparency, and responsiveness,” another source said.
The stakeholders emphasized that the concerns should not be interpreted as an attack on the hospital, but rather as an opportunity for introspection and improvement.
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They urged the Chief of Army Staff to consider directing an independent assessment of patient care systems, staff conduct, service delivery processes, and complaint-resolution mechanisms at the facility.
According to them, such a review would provide an objective platform for identifying strengths, addressing shortcomings, and implementing reforms where necessary.
The sources also called on the Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the hospital’s operational culture, with emphasis on patient relations, communication standards, and customer service practices.
They recommended regular staff reorientation programmes focused on professionalism, empathy, courtesy, and accountability as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence in the institution.
The stakeholders further urged the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Health to take an active interest in concerns surrounding healthcare delivery within military medical facilities to ensure that the highest standards of patient care and medical ethics are maintained.
They noted that military hospitals play a vital role in Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem and should continue to serve as models of excellence, professionalism, and compassion.
According to the sources, addressing public concerns through transparent review mechanisms would not only improve patient experiences but also strengthen the reputation of the hospital and reaffirm its commitment to quality healthcare.
They maintained that the ultimate objective should be constructive reform rather than blame, stressing that accountability, effective supervision, and a culture of compassion remain essential ingredients for sustainable healthcare excellence.
“The goal is not condemnation but improvement. By listening to concerns, strengthening oversight, and reinforcing the values of professionalism and empathy, the hospital can further enhance its reputation as a centre of medical excellence and service to humanity,” one of the stakeholders said.
By TimesNG