Kano State Government has ordered an investigation into the death of Aishatu Umar, a housewife and mother of five, following a surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in Kano.
Aishatu died around 1:00 am on Tuesday after months of post-surgical complications.
Her family has accused medical personnel at the state-owned facility of negligence.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Abubakar Mohammed said Aishatu fell ill several months ago and underwent surgery at the centre in September.
“The operation was meant to improve her condition, but she developed abdominal pain shortly after the procedure,” Mohammed said.
He said Aishatu returned to the hospital several times over a four-month period to complain of pain, but hospital staff allegedly prescribed pain medication without further investigations.
“She kept going back to the hospital, and they only gave her painkillers. No tests or scans were done for months,” he said.
Mohammed said it was two days before her death that tests and scans were finally conducted.
“The results showed that a pair of surgical scissors had been left inside her body during the September operation,” he said.
He added that plans were made for corrective surgery after the discovery, but her condition worsened before the procedure could be carried out.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, Samira Suleiman, said the government had directed an investigation into the incident.
“We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” Suleiman said.
She said the executive secretary of the board, Dr Mansur Nagoda, had ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
“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,” she said.
According to her, the board had taken note of reports and complaints by the family, who alleged that Aishatu’s condition deteriorated while she was receiving treatment at the facility.
“The investigation will be transparent, impartial and professional, and appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established,” Suleiman said.
She said patient safety remains a priority and that the board is committed to maintaining healthcare standards in government facilities across Kano State.
The family described the incident as a violation of medical ethics and patient safety and called on the Kano State Government and health regulatory bodies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
