NYSC Investigates Corps Members’ Alleged Denial Of Medical Attention At Osun Hospital

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Osun State has investigated allegations by a corps member that he and a colleague were denied medical attention at the General Hospital, Iwo.

The investigation followed a viral social media video posted by Olaode Testimony, serving in Ayedire Local Government Area, and his friend, Olusegun Victor, who also serves in the same local government.

In the video, the corps members alleged that they could not access medical treatment after visiting the hospital over suspected food poisoning. They expressed concerns about their experience during the late-night visit.

Olaode said they arrived at the facility at about 10:05 p.m. after experiencing symptoms they suspected were caused by food poisoning.

However, during an investigation by the NYSC Osun State Secretariat, he clarified that they were not completely ignored upon arrival.

He explained that they were received by a security officer who directed them to a nurse, but the nurse was unable to attend to them when they requested medical assistance.

The corps member also disclosed that Victor had received treatment at the same hospital earlier that afternoon, while their unsuccessful attempt to obtain medical attention occurred during a subsequent visit at night.

“After leaving the hospital, we proceeded to a pharmacy in Iwo, where we eventually received assistance,” he stated.

The investigation established that the corps members obtained help at the pharmacy after failing to secure the required attention at the general hospital.

It also found that Olaode did not use the communication channels provided by the scheme for reporting emergencies.

According to the NYSC, corps members are given the telephone contacts of their Local Government Inspectors (LGIs), Zonal Inspectors, Corps Liaison Officers and State Coordinators during orientation to facilitate prompt intervention in emergencies.

Speaking during the investigation, the LGI, Abatan Bolanle, said the corps member could have contacted him immediately for guidance and assistance.

Abatan explained that he would have directed the two corps members to Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Iwo, if he had been informed about their condition.

Following the investigation, the Corps Inspection and Monitoring Branch issued queries to the corps members involved, while the matter was referred to the Corps Disciplinary Committee for necessary action.