Ondo NUJ Raises Alarm Over Flagrant Sale of Caskets at UNIMEDTH
The Ondo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed serious concern over the blatant display and sale of coffins and caskets within the premises of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo.
According to the union, the sale occurs in close proximity to vital areas, such as the mortuary, Out Patient Department (OPD), and Emergency Unit of the UNIMED Teaching Hospital.
The NUJ called for immediate relocation of the Caskets shop operated by a private entity to a more appropriate location, away from the hospital, to prevent further psychological distress to patients while emphasising the ethical implications of such activities and the potential damage it could do to the university’s reputation, given its role in health education and care.
The Union issued this statement through a communique following their monthly Congress held at the Press Centre, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State capital.
The Congress also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of healthcare facilities across Ondo State, calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to declare a State of Emergency in the health sector to address the ongoing challenges, including the lack of accessible and affordable health services.
On security matters, the Congress commended the swift actions taken by Governor Aiyedatiwa in response to the recent security challenges in the state, particularly the establishment of a Joint Task Force on Security
They also urged the state government to provide security agencies with necessary equipment, such as vehicles, drones, trackers, and other logistics, to enhance their ability to combat crime effectively.
The union also recommended the recruitment of additional officers and the provision of more vehicles for the State Security Network, code named as Amotekun Corps.
The Congress emphasized the need for better synergy and coordination among security agencies to effectively address the rising insecurity in the state.
