Frequent death of patients in emergency situations sparks concern among Nigerians
Concerns Rise Over Patient Deaths Allegedly Linked to Hospital Negligence
The repeated deaths of patients in emergency situations, reportedly due to hospital negligence, have ignited significant public concern nationwide. Families affected by these tragedies are left mourning as confidence in healthcare institutions continues to decline.
Critically ill patients at various healthcare facilities have reportedly experienced delays in receiving urgent medical care, leading to preventable fatalities. What began as isolated incidents is now evolving into a national outcry, with citizens calling for a comprehensive reform of hospital management and emergency response protocols.
In a telephone interview with Daily Post, Prof. Akiola Akimade, Chief Medical Officer of Afebablola University, addressed the issue. “In every case, the first priority of hospitals is to save lives,” he said. “Doctors and nurses are trained to prioritize patient survival above all.”
Akimade acknowledged that challenges can arise in certain emergencies, such as those involving gunshot victims, but emphasized that the standard procedure is to stabilize patients first. “Questions and other procedures come afterward. That’s the ideal approach,” he added.
Daily Post reported on several concerning cases, including that of Aishatu Umar Kano, a mother of five who died following a surgical procedure. A subsequent scan revealed that surgical scissors had been left inside her body after a previous operation. Over four months, Umar visited the hospital complaining of pain but was reportedly only prescribed pain relievers until it was too late.
Activist Eneh Obi, in a separate interview with Daily Post, expressed her disappointment with the healthcare system. “It’s very disappointing…the reactions of hospitals,” she stated. “When life is supposed to be saved, that should be the focus of hospitals.”
Obi condemned reports of hospitals allegedly refusing patients due to issues such as lack of deposits or insufficient medical supplies. She highlighted that the problem is not limited to high-profile cases, noting instances where women in labor were denied care and children died because they could not be admitted without a deposit.
Blaming ineffective government policies and a lack of accountability within the healthcare system, Obi remarked, “The value of life for Nigerians is so flimsy. Governance should focus on the protection of life and the welfare of the people.”
Obi also criticized the government’s commitment to expanding and upgrading public hospitals, particularly for low-income citizens. “When was the last time a new government hospital was opened for the poor? We have resources—why can’t we build and equip hospitals to make services affordable?” she questioned.
While acknowledging that some patients may be unable to pay upfront, Obi insisted that emergency care should never be conditional. “In emergencies, you don’t know who is rich or poor. You need to save lives before you start thinking of payment,” she said, calling for stronger corporate social responsibility within private healthcare institutions.
Obi concluded by urging authorities to move beyond rhetoric and enforce existing health laws aimed at protecting patients. “We have so many laws we cannot implement. The government should seek direction for the welfare of the people.”
The ongoing issue of preventable deaths linked to hospital negligence remains a pressing concern that demands immediate reform, accountability, and improved resource management to ensure better care and restore public trust in the healthcare system.
