Patient claims UCH responsible for his irreversible blindness

Patient claims UCH responsible for his irreversible blindness

A patient, Mr. Ayoola Idowu, has accused University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Oyo State of medical negligence, alleging that improper use of a radiotherapy machine during his treatment resulted in complete blindness.

In a petition titled: “Petition for justice against University Teaching Hospital Ibadan: Negligence leading to the blindness of Mr. Ayoola Idowu,” to the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jesse Abiodun Oteghayo, by Comrade Levite A. Akpan, National President of Citizens Rights International for Human Rights and Justice, the group claims that Idowu received radiotherapy on April 21, 2021 without proper eye protection.

Despite Idowu’s complaints of vision loss, the hospital reportedly dismissed his concerns, attributing his condition to a previous surgery at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo. Subsequent eye examinations at FMC, UCH, and LASUTH confirmed nerve damage, suggesting irreversible blindness.

The petition demanded thorough investigation, disciplinary action against those responsible, compensation for Idowu, and the implementation of stricter safety protocols to prevent future incidents.

Akpan, a human rights activist and his organization, Citizens Rights International were moved by Idowu’s plight, took up the case and petitioned the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, seeking justice and accountability from UCH.

It reads in parts: “We at Citizens Rights International for Human right and Justice the undersigned are writing to express our deep concern and demand immediate action regarding a grievous incident of medical negligence at University College Hospital, Ibadan, which has resulted in a patient becoming blind due to improper use of a radiotherapy machine.

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“On 19/4/2021 Mr Ayoola Idowu had a keloid surgery at Federal Medical Centre Owo. After a successful surgery, the Federal Medical Centre referred him to University College Hospital UCH where he was asked to carry out radiotherapy. Mr.Ayoola Idowu was seeing very perfectly; then

“On 21/4/2021, Mr. Ayoola Idowu underwent a radiotherapy session at University College Hospital UCH. Due to improper calibration and handling of the radiotherapy machine, he suffered severe damage, resulting in complete blindness.

“This tragic outcome is a direct result of negligence and lack of proper protocol adherence by the hospital staff. Clearly outline the problem and its impact on the victim and others.”

Akpan told The Nation Idowu explained to the organisation how, during his radiotherapy treatment, he was initially placed inside the machine without any eye protection.

He noted that on his first visit, his face and eyes were left uncovered but during his subsequent visit, his face was covered.

After five days, Idowu lost both eyes. He reported that he informed the staff of the Radiotherapy department about his vision loss but they denied responsibility for the damage.

Instead, the staff attributed the cause of his eye injury to a keloid surgery performed at the Federal Medical Centre Owo.

“This was someone who went to UCH without any eye problem. University College Hospital has denied being responsible for Mr.Ayoola Idowu’s blindness neither have they taken responsibility for their incompetency which has caused Mr Ayoola Idowu’s life damage and turned him into a person with a disability.

“Mr. Ayoola Idowu went to the FMC Ophthalmology Department, UCH Ophthalmology and LASUTH Ophthalmology to check his eyes condition and he was told his nerves had been damaged.

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“This incident highlights a critical failure in the hospital’s duty of care. Not only has it drastically affected the life of the patient Mr. Ayoola Idowu, but it also raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of medical procedures at University College Hospital,” he said.

They called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident, accountability and appropriate disciplinary actions for the staff involved the implementation of stricter safety protocols to prevent future occurrences, and fair compensation and support for Mr. Ayoola Idowu and his family.

They further demanded a thorough eye check and treatment at the expense of UCH until Ayoola regained his sight.

“We trust that the Federal Ministry of Justice and Health will take our concerns seriously and act swiftly to address this grave injustice. The well-being and safety of patients must always be the top priority. By signing this petition, we stand together in demanding justice and better safety measures.”

However, in response to Idowo’s allegations, the hospital’s management affirmed that investigations have commenced to unravel the truth of the case.

This was contained in letter with Ref, No. HG/CON. 851 and dated 22 July 2024, jointly signed by one Mr. Olubukola O. Ogunlade on behalf of the Director of Administration and Chief Medical Director.

The statement reads in parts: “I write to acknowledge your letter dated 25th June 2024 to the above subject matter.

“The Management of the Hospital empathizes with you. Rest assured that investigations into all allegations in your letter have commenced and appropriate findings will be communicated to you in due course.”

Patient claims UCH responsible for his irreversible blindness

THE NATION