Lagos Hospital Faces Scrutiny as NBA Calls for Investigation into Maternal Death

The Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, is calling for an urgent investigation into the death of Mrs. Akudo John, who died hours after giving birth at Gynescope Specialist Hospital in Lekki, Lagos. The husband, Mr. Justice John, alleges medical negligence and emergency failure led to his wife’s death.

According to Mr. John, his wife received antenatal care at the hospital, and all tests showed she was healthy. However, concerns about the baby’s size were raised, and despite assurances from the consultant gynaecologist, Dr. Joseph Yahaya, complications arose during delivery. The baby weighed 4.2kg, considered fetal macrosomia.

Mr. John claims his wife suffered continuous bleeding and severe pain after delivery, which was poorly managed. He alleges the hospital failed to identify the source of bleeding, and his wife’s condition deteriorated. At 3 a.m., she began convulsing, and medical personnel were not readily available.

The hospital’s emergency response was chaotic, Mr. John said, with his wife falling off a stretcher during evacuation and the ambulance not being functional. She was eventually taken to Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The NBA, Lagos Branch, is supporting Mr. John’s call for justice, with Chairman Mrs. Uchenna Akingbade stating that every Nigerian has a right to life and quality medical care. The association is urging the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the Lagos State Government to investigate the matter.

“We are here not just because he is our colleague, but because even if this were any Nigerian, it falls within our mandate to speak up,” Akingbade said. Petitions have been sent to relevant authorities, and Mr. John vows to pursue justice for his wife’s death, saying, “This burden is heavy, but life is sacred. I will not rest until justice is served.”