UNTH INVESTIGATES ALLEGED DEATH BY NEGLIGENCE IN HOSPITAL

OIP 49

The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH Enugu, has disclosed commencement of investigation into the death of a patient in the hospital, who allegedly died of negligence by the staff of the hospital on 21st September 2025.

There has been a widely circulated social media report regarding one late Mrs. Charity Unachukwu, who was brought to UNTH emergency unit but was rejected because of lack of space.

The report detailed other forms of indolence, negligence and lackadaisical attitudes of staff in various sections of the hospital that culminated in the eventual death of the patient after 12 hours of not receiving medical attention.

In a statement, on Sunday, the UNTH Public Relations Officer, Boniface Uchelue, said that the Chief Medical Director of the hospital has decided to cancel a proposed foreign travel, on Monday, to ensure that forensic investigation in carried out on the alleged negligence in the tertiary hospital.

While the hospital expressed condolences to the family and sympathizers of the deceased, the hospital noted that UNTH is a public institution guided by its motto of “Service to Humanity,” and takes such allegations with the utmost seriousness.

“We are committed to reviewing the report with the aim of uncovering the facts, ensuring accountability, and driving systemic improvements,” Uchelue stated.

He said that the investigation will examine the care provided, review key procedures, and identify any failures that may have contributed to the incident.

“Review emergency admission procedures, laboratory and diagnostic services, and inter-departmental coordination; Identify any failure – systemic or individual that may have contributed to delays or lapses in care.”

Uchelue said that moving forward, as a recently certified Level 3 teaching hospital for quality improvement, following a massive upgrade in services and infrastructure, its goal is to get to Level 4 by next year.

“We reassure the public that the investigation will be thorough and conducted in a transparent manner.

Where lapses are confirmed, corrective and disciplinary measures will follow. Systemic improvements will continue to be prioritized.

“We appreciate the public’s vigilance and trust, and we reaffirm our commitment to compassionate, safe, and effective healthcare for all,” the statement read.

About Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.

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