The management of the National Hospital, Abuja, has denied allegations that negligence and incompetence by its staff caused the death of 27‑year‑old Obinna Emeka, the son of Eze Pharm. Emeka Ogbonna, the traditional ruler of Ama‑Inyi Community in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State. In a statement, the monarch appealed to President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to close the hospital, claiming that it lacked a functional scan machine and that it took three hours to attend to his son after a scan was performed at a private facility, during which time his son died.
In response, the hospital’s spokesperson, Dr. Tayo Haastrup, refuted the report, stating that the late Emeka was brought to the National Hospital seven hours after his accident and that the hospital’s equipment is fully functional. Haastrup emphasized that the hospital’s policy is to treat patients for 48 hours before any payment is demanded.
The hospital’s statement addressed an online publication titled “FG Urged to close National Hospital Abuja after Death of Young Pharmacist,” which attributed statements to HRH Eze Pharm. Emeka Ogbonna, alleging that his son, Charles Emeka, died at the National Hospital due to incompetence and negligence. The hospital clarified that the patient had been knocked down by a vehicle on Kubwa Express Road, taken first to Kubwa General Hospital, and then referred to the National Hospital’s Trauma Centre on 2 April 2023, seven hours after the accident. Necessary investigations and procedures were carried out, but the patient unfortunately died. The hospital asserted that there was no incompetence or negligence in his treatment and that emergencies and trauma cases receive priority. Its CT, MRI, and ultrasound machines are always available for in‑patients and emergencies, and the policy is to attend to emergencies for 48 hours without emphasizing monetary aspects.
While expressing sympathy for the monarch’s family, Haastrup affirmed that the National Hospital employs competent, fully certified medical personnel and follows standard procedures strictly. He urged the public to bring patients to the hospital promptly and called on media organisations to verify information, ensuring balanced reporting and avoiding sensationalism.
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