By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has ordered an investigation into the death of a patient, Aishatu Umar, following allegations of medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, Kano.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Mansur Nagoda, directed that an immediate probe be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident amid rising public concern.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Samira Suleiman, the management said it had taken note of media reports describing the patient’s death as distressing.
She said the board also acknowledged complaints from the family of the deceased, who alleged that Umar’s condition worsened while she was receiving treatment at the facility.
“The Executive Secretary has directed that an immediate and thorough investigation be carried out to establish the facts of what transpired at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre,” the statement said.
According to Suleiman, the probe will examine all medical and administrative procedures related to the case.
“The investigation will be transparent, impartial and professional.
Appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established,” she quoted Nagoda as saying.
The board expressed condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and assured the public that the matter would be treated with utmost seriousness.
It reaffirmed that patient safety remains a top priority and that the government would not compromise the quality of healthcare services in public facilities across the state.
It was reported that the family alleged that tests and scans carried out after the operation indicated that a pair of surgical scissors was left in Umar’s body during a surgical procedure conducted in September.
