Tragedy has hit Kano State following the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, after an alleged case of medical negligence at the government-owned Abubakar Imam Urology Centre.
A relative of the deceased, Abubakar Mohammed, stated that Aishatu suffered from months of severe abdominal pain following a surgical procedure at the hospital about four months ago.
Mohammed explained that the surgery, performed in September, was followed by persistent and worsening pain. Despite multiple visits to the hospital, she was reportedly only given painkillers without any further diagnostic tests.
He added that scans were only conducted recently, revealing that a pair of scissors had allegedly been left inside her body during the initial operation.
“She underwent surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in September. After that, she complained of severe abdominal pain for months. Each time she returned to the hospital, she was given painkillers,” Mohammed said.
“It was only two days ago that scans were carried out, and that was when doctors discovered that scissors had been forgotten inside her body. Plans were made for another surgery, but she passed away before it could be done,” he added.
Mohammed described the case as a blatant act of negligence and urged the Kano State Government and relevant health authorities to investigate thoroughly and ensure justice.
“How can medical professionals forget a pair of scissors inside a patient’s body? This is unacceptable and damages the integrity of the health sector,” he said.
In response, the Kano State Hospitals Management Board announced it had launched an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the matter to determine the circumstances surrounding Aishatu’s death.
The board’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, through Public Relations Officer Samira Suleiman, assured the public that the investigation would be transparent, impartial and professional.
The board emphasized that the case would not be ignored and promised that appropriate action would be taken if negligence is confirmed.
The incident has raised widespread concern and renewed calls for improved accountability and patient safety in public healthcare facilities across Kano State.