The repeated deaths of patients in emergency situations, allegedly linked to hospital negligence, have sparked nationwide concern.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that critically ill patients in numerous healthcare facilities often face delays in receiving urgent care, sometimes leading to preventable fatalities. Families are left devastated, while public trust in hospitals continues to decline.

What was once seen as isolated incidents has now escalated into a national outcry, with citizens demanding a complete overhaul of hospital management systems and emergency response protocols.

In a phone interview with DAILY POST, Chief Medical Officer of Afebablola University, Prof. Akiola Akimade, addressed the concerns.

“In every case, the primary focus of hospitals is to save lives. Doctors and nurses are trained to prioritize the patient’s survival above all else,” he said. “There may be challenging cases, like gunshot victims, but the standard protocol is always to stabilize the patient first; questions and other procedures come afterward. That’s the ideal approach.”

DAILY POST highlighted several alarming cases, including that of Aishatu Umar Kano, a mother of five who died following a surgical procedure. A subsequent scan revealed that a pair of scissors had been left inside her body from a prior operation in September. Despite returning to the hospital for four months, complaining of persistent pain, she was reportedly only given painkillers—until it was too late.

Activist Eneh Obi described the situation as “deeply disappointing,” questioning the apparent loss of humanity in the healthcare system.

“It’s disheartening to see how hospitals react. Life should always be the focus,” she said. Obi condemned repeated reports of patients being turned away due to lack of deposits, insufficient drugs, or unavailable medical supplies.

“The problem goes beyond high-profile cases like gunshot victims. Women in labor, children in emergencies, even snakebite victims—many are denied care because they cannot pay upfront,” she stated.

Obi also criticized weak government enforcement and poor accountability in healthcare.

“The value of life in Nigeria seems so fragile. Governance should ensure protection of life, welfare, and security. Yet so many die needlessly,” she added, questioning the government’s commitment to expanding and equipping public hospitals for low-income citizens.

“When was the last time a new government hospital was opened for the poor? We have resources—why not build and equip hospitals, make services affordable, and prevent these unnecessary deaths?” she asked.

Acknowledging that some patients may struggle to pay, Obi emphasized that emergency care should never be conditional.

“In emergencies, wealth or status should not matter. Lives must be saved first,” she said, urging private hospitals to embrace stronger corporate social responsibility.

She concluded by calling for action beyond rhetoric, insisting that authorities enforce existing health laws to protect patients.

“Preventable deaths due to hospital negligence are tragedies we can no longer ignore. Immediate reforms, accountability, and better resource management are essential to save lives and restore public confidence in healthcare,” Obi stressed.

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