The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ondo State has strongly criticized the sale of coffins within the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure, deeming it inappropriate and psychologically distressing for patients, okay.ng reports.
In a communique issued after their monthly congress, chaired by Prince Leke Adegbite, the NUJ expressed dismay over the “flagrant and public sales of coffins/caskets” at the UNIMEDTH Akure Annex mortuary, located directly opposite the Outpatient Department (OPD) and close to the Emergency Unit.
They argued that positioning caskets in such proximity to patient care areas could cause significant psychological trauma.
The communique, signed by Jacob Akintunde, Olayinka Ogunleye, and Babatunde Ayedoju, called on the state government to urgently relocate the casket shop, operated by a private vendor, from the hospital premises.
Furthermore, the congress expressed deep concern over the deteriorating health facilities across the state and the challenges patients face in accessing quality healthcare. They urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to declare a “state of emergency” in the health sector.
