Tragedy Strikes at Nigerian Hospital: Family Demands Justice for Alleged Medical Negligence
A devastating incident at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, Nigeria, has left a family grieving and seeking justice. Ibrahim Abubakar Katagum, the son of the deceased, has publicly accused the hospital of medical negligence, which he believes led to his mother’s death during a dialysis session. The hospital’s Renal Center has come under fire for allegedly failing to provide adequate care, resulting in a tragic loss of life.
According to Katagum, his mother was left unattended during dialysis, allowing her bloodline to become detached and causing a massive loss of blood. The nurse on duty had reportedly disconnected the patient’s bloodline and engaged in casual conversation outside the ward, despite the family’s requests to stay with their loved one. "This particular nurse denied any of us from staying with her during the session, unlike previous times when a relative was always allowed to be present," Katagum wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post.
The family claims that the procedure was abruptly ended after less than two hours, with the patient being rushed back to her ward. She passed away just under an hour later, leaving her loved ones in shock and grief. Medical personnel who had examined her earlier in the day were reportedly stunned by the news of her death, stating that she had shown signs of stability during their last assessment.
While the family has expressed gratitude to the doctors and many nurses for their professionalism and compassion, they emphasize that one act of negligence has had devastating consequences. "The doctors were respectful and attentive. But this singular act of carelessness by one nurse cut our mother’s life short. We will never forgive her," Katagum said.
The hospital management has since commenced an investigation into the incident, with the family closely monitoring the progress. The Head of Public Relations and Protocol Unit, Usman Koli, has assured the public that the hospital is committed to getting to the root of the matter and taking necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. "We have already initiated a thorough internal enquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident," Koli stated.
As the family demands justice, they urge the hospital and relevant health authorities to take responsibility for the alleged medical negligence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in healthcare. The hospital’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of care and accountability will be closely watched as the investigation unfolds. One thing is certain – the loss of a life due to alleged negligence is a tragedy that should never occur, and it is the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the care and attention they deserve.
