The Management of the State Specialist Hospital, Ondo, has dismissed a recent publication alleging that the hospital no longer accepts electronic payments and operates a cash-only payment system, describing the report as misleading and a misrepresentation of its newly introduced cashless payment policy.
For the avoidance of doubt, the hospital wishes to state categorically that it accepts electronic payments, including bank transfers and payments through Point of Sale (POS) terminals. The report suggesting otherwise is therefore inaccurate and does not reflect the hospital’s approved payment arrangements.
The cashless payment policy, which commenced this month, is in line with the government’s initiative to promote transparency, accountability and efficiency in public financial transactions, as well as curb corruption and reduce the risks associated with cash handling.
Management further clarifies that special arrangements have been made for vulnerable patients and individuals who may be unable to carry out electronic transactions themselves. In such cases, cash received from these patients is paid directly into the hospital’s designated account on their behalf, ensuring that no patient is denied access to healthcare because of difficulties with electronic payments.
In case of emergencies, the hospital attends to patients even before asking for payments.
The policy is not intended to create hardship for patients or their relatives but to strengthen accountability in the hospital’s financial operations while ensuring that service delivery remains uninterrupted.
The management therefore urges members of the public to disregard the misleading information and seek clarification from the appropriate hospital authorities whenever they require information about its operations and services.
The hospital remains committed to providing quality, accessible and affordable healthcare services to the people of Ondo State and beyond.
Signed:
Media and Publicity Unit
State Specialist Hospital, Ondo
COMMENTS