The Abia State Government has cautioned doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals against refusing to attend to patients brought to hospitals under emergency conditions due to inability to make immediate payment, stressing that saving lives must always come before financial considerations.

The directive was issued during an ongoing training programme for medical personnel in Umuahia, where the state is also preparing Patients Liaison Officers (PLOs) to improve communication and service delivery across its health facilities.

The programme highlights a renewed commitment by the government to strengthen patient-centred care and ensure that hospitals operate with both professionalism and compassion.

Speaking at the session, the Chief Executive Officer of Quantus Medical Foundation, Nnenna Ihekoromadu, expressed concern over the declining quality of interaction between healthcare workers and patients in Nigeria, noting that respect, empathy, and effective communication are as important as medical treatment in the healing process.

She emphasised that patients, particularly those in critical conditions, require reassurance and humane treatment, adding that harsh words or dismissive attitudes from medical staff could negatively affect recovery outcomes.

Ihekoromadu described it as unacceptable for any healthcare provider to abandon or delay treatment for a patient in an emergency simply because payment has not been made, insisting that such actions contradict the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals.

According to her, patients in life-threatening situations must first be stabilised and given the necessary care before any discussions about financial obligations can take place.

She further stated that every healthcare worker on duty should be held accountable not only for the quality of medical services rendered but also for their conduct while interacting with patients and their families, reinforcing the need for professionalism and empathy within the system.

The training also underscores the importance of Patients Liaison Officers, who are expected to serve as a bridge between hospitals and patients, helping to address complaints, improve transparency, and ensure that individuals receive timely and respectful care.

Their role is seen as critical in rebuilding trust in the healthcare system and enhancing overall patient experience.

While advocating improved standards of care, Ihekoromadu also called on government authorities to prioritise the welfare of healthcare workers, noting that better working conditions, fair remuneration, and adequate support systems are essential for medical personnel to perform optimally and meet the growing demands of the sector.

The Abia State Government’s position reflects a broader effort to address long-standing challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system, where financial barriers often delay or prevent access to urgent medical care.

By reinforcing the principle that emergency treatment must not be denied on the basis of payment, the state is taking a step towards a more responsive and humane healthcare system where preserving life remains the foremost priority.