The Civil Society For Malaria Control Immunization and Nutrition, ACOMIN, in Ogun State, has said there has been a positive change in the attitudes of health workers toward patients, leading to more competent and effective healthcare service delivery in the state.
This was revealed at the state’s media meeting organized by Health Matter Incoprated (HMI) on global fund malaria community-led monitoring project implemented by ACOMIN, held during the week in Abeokuta.
The ACOMIN State Secretary, Akintayo Akinpelu, disclosed that there’s also an improved communication between facility staff and clients regarding charges pertaining to the management of AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM), which resulted in greater transparency, fewer misunderstandings, and higher client satisfaction.
Recall that there had been complaints on the attitude of health workers towards patients, as well as unethical actions including raising prescription prices and collecting money for procedures that should be free.
Akinpelu argued that the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative under the GC7
had empowered citizens to participate actively in identifying service delivery gaps, advocating for solutions, and holding duty-bearers accountable, thereby contributing to improving community health systems and outcomes.
He pointed out that community leaders are now actively supporting and enhancing the inclusive ATM care services provided at the facility and appreciated members of various communities for donating materials to help reduce challenges that negatively affect facility operations, demonstrating strong communal ownership and partnership.
Akinpelu said, “There has been a noticeable positive change in facility staff attitudes toward work and clients, resulting in more professional and efficient healthcare service delivery. Community leaders are now more actively involved in supporting and improving inclusive ATM care services delivered at the facility.
“Members of the community are donating materials to help reduce challenges that negatively affect facility operations, demonstrating strong communal ownership and partnership.
“The surrounding overgrown bushes around the facility have been cleared, contributing to a cleaner, safer environment and a perimeter fence has been constructed to strengthen the security system within the facility, ensuring better safety for staff, clients, and property.”
Meanwhile, Mrs Aboluwarin Elizabeth, the state focal person for community engagement strategic initiatives, urged the government to provide sign language interpreters and translators in various healthcare facilities in order to promote inclusive access to ATM services.
“If the government can Identify some people working with the WDCs in the community to get interpreters for each facility, especially those located where we have lot of non-indigenes.
“We have people with hearing impairment, if we have sign language interpreters in various facilities with the support of the community people, it will make ATM services accessible to the people,” she explained.