The repeated deaths of patients in emergency situations, allegedly due to hospital negligence, have stirred widespread public alarm across the country.

Reports indicate that in many healthcare facilities, critically ill patients face delays in receiving urgent medical attention, sometimes resulting in preventable fatalities. Families of victims are left devastated, while public confidence in health institutions continues to decline.

What initially seemed like isolated complaints has escalated into a national outcry, with citizens calling for a comprehensive overhaul of hospital management systems and emergency response protocols.

Addressing the concerns, Chief Medical Officer of Afebablola University, Prof. Akiola Akimade, stated:

“In every case, the first priority of hospitals is to save lives. Doctors and nurses are trained to put the patient’s survival first; everything else follows.
There may be exceptional cases, such as emergencies involving gunshot victims, where hospitals face challenges.
But the standard protocol is always to stabilize and secure the patient’s life first; other procedures come afterward. That’s the ideal approach.”

Several alarming cases have emerged, 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 during a previous operation in September. Despite returning to the hospital repeatedly over four months with complaints of pain, she was reportedly only given pain relievers, until it was too late.

Activist Eneh Obi described the situation as “very disappointing,” questioning the humanity within the healthcare system.

“It’s very disappointing, the way hospitals respond. What is humanity all about? You can get money from people, but saving lives should always be the focus,” she said.

Obi condemned reports of hospitals allegedly rejecting patients over lack of deposits, insufficient drugs, or absence of necessary medical supplies. She noted that the problem extends beyond high-profile cases, affecting victims of gunshot wounds, snake bites, and pregnant women seeking care.

“You have cases of women trying to give birth whose access is denied. Many emergency cases are turned away because of deposits. We’ve had children die because hospitals wouldn’t admit them without payment,” she explained.

She further criticized weak government policy enforcement and a lack of accountability in the healthcare system.

“The value of life seems so flimsy. When someone dies, it’s dismissed. Governance should focus on protecting life, ensuring welfare, and safeguarding citizens,” Obi added.

The activist also questioned the government’s commitment to expanding and equipping public hospitals for low-income citizens.

“When was the last time new government hospitals were opened for the poor? We have resources. Hospitals should be built, equipped, and made affordable. Why should so many lives be lost carelessly?” she asked.

While acknowledging that some patients may be unable to pay immediately, she emphasized that emergency care must never be conditional.

“In emergencies, you don’t know who is rich or poor. Lives must be saved before thinking about payment,” she stressed, calling for stronger corporate social responsibility in private healthcare institutions.

Obi concluded by urging authorities to move beyond rhetoric and enforce existing health laws designed to protect patients.

“It’s unfortunate that many laws remain unenforced. The government must take decisive steps to ensure the welfare of the people,” she said.

Preventable deaths resulting from hospital neglect represent a tragedy that can no longer be ignored. Immediate reforms, strict accountability, and better resource management are essential to saving lives and restoring public trust in the healthcare system.