20th July, 2012
Scores of visitors to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, were on Thursday denied entry by security officials as part of efforts to tighten up security.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all visitors, including relations of patients and those on official assignments, were screened by the officials.
Some visitors, who produced their identity cards, were not allowed into the hospital.
Motorists were, however, not affected by the security measures as they drove into the facility without any hindrance.
Identity card-carrying students and workers of the hospital were also not subjected to the security check.
Contacted, the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital, Prof. Gbenga Ogunlewe, told NAN that the checks were precautionary measures aimed at forestalling any mishap.
She said the measures were not intended to embarrass anyone, but to ensure that those coming to the hospital had businesses to transact there.
“It is a simple security measure and we do not mean to embarrass anyone, but to ensure that the hospital is secure and not to allow just anybody to walk in.
“It does not mean that you cannot access medical care. Of course, anyone who is sick will be allowed in,” Ogunlewe said.