The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has confirmed that the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, was linked to medical negligence at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, a government-owned health facility in Kano.
In a statement, the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, said a preliminary investigation ordered by the Executive Secretary, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, revealed that surgical scissors were inadvertently left inside the patient’s body following a surgical procedure.
Following the findings, the Board announced the immediate suspension of three medical personnel directly involved in the case from clinical duties.
It also disclosed that the matter has been referred to the Kano State Medical Ethics Committee for further investigation and possible disciplinary action in line with professional standards and existing laws.
“The Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathises with them over this painful loss. We assure the public that negligence will not be condoned in any form,” the statement said.
The incident came to public attention after reports emerged that Aishatu Umar died after experiencing prolonged complications from a surgery carried out at the facility.
A relative of the deceased, Abubakar Mohammed, said Aishatu underwent surgery at the Urology Centre in September, after which she began suffering persistent and worsening abdominal pain.
He alleged that despite repeated visits to the hospital, she was reportedly given pain-relief medication without comprehensive medical investigations.
According to him, diagnostic scans conducted only a few days ago revealed that a pair of scissors had allegedly been left inside her body during the initial surgery.
“She complained of severe abdominal pain for months after the surgery. Each time she returned to the hospital, she was given painkillers,” Mohammed said.
“It was only recently that scans were done, and that was when doctors discovered that scissors had been forgotten inside her body. Another surgery was planned, but she died before it could be carried out,” he added.
