By, Omowumi Hannah, Ibadan

An underage eye patient from Christ Church School, Mapo, Farida Ismail, has lamented the alleged negligence of health workers at Adeoyo Eye Clinic, Ring Road, Ibadan.

The pupil, who has been battling an eye defect, became distressed on Monday after she and other patients were reportedly turned back by hospital workers.

Farida was identified for urgent eye treatment after she developed serious eye problems during the “Catch Them Young Initiative” which featured hosted the present OYSIPPA and Local Government Pension Board bosses, Hon. Folami Tilewa and Hon. Akeem Ige three months ago.

The patient complained about the workers’ alleged rejection despite being in school uniform, and confrontation of her informal caregivers.

The health workers were quoted as saying.“We are no longer admitting patients. Go out of here. Our hands are full. Go, if you are not strong enough for us.”

She expressed displeasure that health attendants who are expected to work diligently were allegedly exploiting and de-accessing patients.

Farida called on Governor Seyi Makinde and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to her aid to prevent total blindness.

“My eyes are almost gone. My father has no legs. My mother runs a small stall in front of our house. Poverty and illiteracy are responsible for poor eyesight. Astigmatism, cataract and poor feeding have affected my mental health. Governor Seyi Makinde and other successful individuals should help me. I pledge to give back positively later in life,” she said.

Addressing newsmen, the Chief Executive Officer of Iseya Television, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, allegedly condemned the persistent negligence by workers, saying the attitude forced over five patients who came for urgent treatment at the state government health facility to seek care elsewhere.

She said the alleged affected health workers resorted to abuse and delay tactics, causing many patients to seek treatment elsewhere.

“Oyo State Government must rise against negligence among its health practitioners. Patients are delayed and sent around unnecessarily. My experience with Farida Ismail was worrisome. The health workers insisted we should go elsewhere. This is strange,” she said.

She appreciated workers of Oni and Sons Hospital and Eleta Eye Institute for their professionalism, and urged government to investigate why patients are leaving Adeoyo Eye Clinic in droves.

Aluko also commended Mrs. Adeyemo, who came for eye treatment at Eleta, for donating ₦50,000 as support for Farida Ismail. She challenged Hon. Akeem Ige and Hon. Abass Adigun (Agboworin), who represents Ibadan North East/South East in the Federal House of Representatives, to urgently assist the young pupil whose parents are poor and less privileged.

Meanwhile, Head teacher of Christ Church School, Mapo Mr. Olufemi Olaniyi described the young eye patient as a responsible pupil who must be assisted for a brighter future.

However, the public health analysts insist the government of Oyo State must demand prompt investigation into various allegation against the health workers of the Adeoyo Eye Clinic, Ring Road, Ibadan in no long.

The analysts also called the health workers to remain professionally conscientious and deliver good health delivery across the 351 Wards of the state.