Where Are FG Hospital Equipment? POCO Questions Wole Oke, Demands Immediate Release
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Pelumi Olajengbesi Campaign Organization (POCO) has called on the member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Wole Oke, to release Federal Government hospital equipment reportedly in his custody to the communities and health facilities designated to receive them.
The organisation made the appeal in a statement issued on Saturday by its spokesperson, Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo, amid concerns over the whereabouts of medical equipment meant for healthcare facilities across the constituency.
The call followed the release of some hospital equipment by Oke after a video showing youths and women lamenting the poor condition of a primary healthcare centre in Esa-Oke, his hometown, circulated widely on social media.
POCO, however, said the release of the equipment had not addressed concerns raised by residents over other medical supplies allegedly yet to reach their intended destinations.
The organisation appealed to the lawmaker not to allow political considerations to interfere with the distribution of public healthcare facilities, warning that withholding the equipment could further worsen access to medical services in the affected communities.
“We appeal to Hon. Wole Oke not to play politics with hospital equipment. Keeping hospital equipment away from communities or health centres is dangerous, a grave injustice to our people and a denial of care to our mothers, children and the aged in Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency,” the statement read.
It added that residents were still seeking clarification on the whereabouts of the equipment, the communities that had benefited from the distribution and the health centres where the items were currently located.
Raising questions over the distribution process, the organisation asked: “Where is the equipment? Which towns received them? Which health centres are they in today?”
POCO urged Oke to make public a comprehensive list of all Federal Government hospital equipment in his custody, indicating the communities and health facilities designated as beneficiaries.
It also called on him to ensure the immediate release of any remaining equipment to the appropriate health centres, stressing that the items should be made available to residents who need them.
The organisation further urged traditional rulers, community leaders and youth groups in Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency to join the campaign for transparency and accountability in the distribution of the medical equipment.
It said the demand was particularly important to safeguard the health and welfare of women, children and elderly residents who depend on public healthcare facilities.