FCCPC begins probe of Abuja hospital for ‘refusing to treat victim of one chance’

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it is investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Olorunfemi Greatness, a victim of a “one chance” robbery, in Abuja.

“One chance” is a type of robbery in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into commercial vehicles whose occupants are robbers, who attack and strip the victims of all their valuables.

On September 26, Greatness was said to have been pushed down from a moving vehicle, believed to be a “one chance car” along the Maitama-Kubwa expressway.

She was severely injured and reportedly rushed to the Maitama General Hospital, Abuja for medical treatment.

However, at the hospital, she was allegedly rejected by the officers on duty, who insisted on having a police report.

She reportedly died moments later.

Reacting to the incident on Saturday, Babatunde Irukera, FCCPC chief executive officer, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate”.

Irukera said in a statement that the commission commiserated with the family and friends of the victim.

He noted that there are disputed accounts of whether Greatness received appropriate care at the hospital, was delayed pending the production of a police report, or was brought in, dead on arrival (DOA).

“The Commission has opened an investigation accordingly,” the statement reads.

“Of particular concern is if Ms Greatness Olorunfemi died on account of failures implicated in the Commission’s Patients’ Bill of Rights (PBOR) or other enforceable legal instruments regarding attention and care to patients generally, and more specifically, in emergency situations where victims of criminal conduct require medical attention.

“Considering the facility concerned is a government institution, upon gathering initial evidence, and the Commission’s determination that there is sufficient basis/probable cause to proceed with a limited inquiry into the consumer protection aspects of the events or series thereof resulting in this fatality; the Commission immediately engaged relevant stakeholders, including the Office of the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment for the FCT.

“The Commission welcomes the public statement of the Office of the Secretary announcing a transparent broad investigation including a Coroner’s Inquest; and commends the early intervention/measures pursued by the Office of the Secretary, including assurances to enhance process optimization and compliance with appropriate standards of patient care and safety in accordance with global standards.

“The Commission looks forward to participating, supporting and collaborating with the FCT administration in this investigation and the aspirations expressed in the statement of the Office of the Secretary.”