The death of a Kano-based housewife, Aishatu Umar, following complications from a surgical procedure at the Abubakar Imam Urology Center has ignited public anger in the state, with growing demands for accountability in Kano’s healthcare sector.
Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, reportedly passed away around 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday after enduring months of post-surgical pain. She is survived by her husband and children, while her family has accused medical personnel at the urology centre of alleged negligence leading to her death.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Abubakar Mohammed said Aishatu became ill several months ago and underwent surgery at the centre in September. He explained that although the operation was intended to improve her health, she allegedly began to experience severe abdominal pain shortly after the procedure.
According to the family, Aishatu made several visits to the hospital over a four-month period, consistently complaining of unrelieved pain.
They alleged that during these visits, hospital staff merely prescribed painkillers without carrying out thorough medical investigations to determine the underlying cause of her condition.
The family further claimed that it was only two days before her death that detailed medical tests and scans were eventually conducted.
They alleged that the results showed that “a pair of surgical scissors had been left inside her body during the September operation.”
They explained that “Following the discovery, arrangements were reportedly being made for a corrective surgery, as her condition worsened before the procedure could take place, and she died in the early hours of the day.”
Describing the incident as a grave violation of medical ethics and patient safety, family members called on the Kano State Government and relevant health regulatory bodies to urgently probe the matter and ensure appropriate sanctions, insisting that justice must be done for Aishatu Umar,
As of the time of filing this report, it was gathered that the Kano State Ministry of Health had convened an emergency meeting to deliberate on the issue and determine its response, according to Daily Independent.
Confirming the development, the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Nabilusi Abubakar, said, “We are having a meeting now on the issue, and we intend to call a press conference soon to address the same.”
