THE Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Health has ruled that the hospital management board in the State should properly inform the public regarding the current payment procedures to avoid confusion and maintain transparency.
The committee ruling is sequel to a public hearing in response to a formal request by the Ado-Odo-Ota Civil Society Health Advocacy Group (AOCSHAG).
The group had sought clarification regarding payment procedures at Ota General Hospital, following concerns raised by a patient.
The hearing took place on 24 October 2024 at the Ogun State House of Assembly complex, and committee members in attendance included Hon. Amosun Yusuf Olawale (Ewekoro Constituency) and Hon. Lawal Samusideen (Ogun Waterside Constituency).
The issue necessitating a public hearing originated when a patient paid for dental services at Ota General Hospital and found that the payment was directed to an account not affiliated with the Ogun State Government. AOCSHAG thereafter wrote to the Ministry of Health seeking an explanation of this irregularity.
In response, the Ogun State Hospital Management Board explained that the state government had outsourced revenue collection at Ota General Hospital to Avancee Pinnacle Ltd. This was part of the state’s cashless policy initiative aimed at enhancing revenue collection efficiency and reducing financial leakages in public facilities.
The House Committee on Health chaired by Hon. Haruna Abiodun Wahab (Yewa North II Constituency), ruled that the hospital management should properly inform the public regarding the current payment procedures to avoid confusion and maintain transparency.
Meanwhile, AOCSHAG also raised additional concerns regarding allegations of coerced cesarean sections (C-sections) at Ota General Hospital. The Chairman of the Committee directed that the Ministry of Health make relevant officials available for a future hearing, which will include the participation of AOCSHAG, to address these allegations. The hearing date will be communicated by the Committee Secretary.
AOCSHAG was represented by Alhaja Bolatito Alabede (Agbara), Pastor Jide Jaiyesimi (Ota), and Dr. Adeshola Afariogun, representing the Ado-Odo-Ota Citizens Engagement Platform. The Ogun State Hospital Management Board was represented by Mr. Ogunsanya (Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics – HMB), Dr. Akin Omoyinmi (Ota Dental Hospital), and another senior official from the Board.
AOCSHAG is part of eleven Citizens Advocacy Groups created in Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government to monitor and engage budget allocations at local, state, and federal government levels, particularly as they relate to issues within Ado-Odo-Ota. Each Citizens Group is thematically focused on critical areas such as health, education, road infrastructure, agriculture, and gender-based violence, providing a structured mechanism to track budgetary expenditures and advocate for improved service delivery.
These advocacy groups, organised by the African Foundation for Environment and Development (AFED), play a crucial role in ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard and that public resources are allocated effectively to address the needs of the community. Through budget engagement and focused advocacy, they contribute to greater accountability and transparency in governance, thereby enhancing the overall quality of service delivery in Ado-Odo-Ota Local Government.
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