UATH Rejects Alleged Negligence Claims, Calls for Ethical Media Practice
By Gami Tadanyigbe
The management of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital has noted with concern a publication circulating on social media and online platforms, particularly Nairaland, alleging systemic negligence and administrative failure at the hospital following the unfortunate death of an infant.
This was contained in a press statement by Executive Assistant to the Chief Medical Director Hadiza Malumfashi shehu.
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The statement said that, “Management extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family over the painful loss.
The death of any patient, especially a child, is deeply distressing, and every life entrusted to the hospital’s care is treated with the utmost seriousness, compassion, and professional responsibility.
However, the hospital strongly rejects attempts to portray the institution as a “mortuary for paediatrics and infants” or to circulate unverified claims capable of creating unnecessary panic, fear, and mistrust in the healthcare system.
Preliminary findings indicate that the infant was brought to the hospital in critical condition following complications reportedly associated with severe malaria and convulsions before arrival at the facility.
Upon presentation, medical personnel on duty immediately commenced emergency interventions in line with standard medical protocols aimed at stabilising the patient.
Contrary to claims circulating online, the hospital’s emergency response team acted promptly and professionally throughout the management process.
Clinical decisions, including movement of the patient within the facility, were made strictly in the interest of improving access to specialised care and equipment required for the patient’s condition.
Management emphasises that emergency and critical care medicine often involves highly complex situations where outcomes may remain unfavourable despite the best medical efforts.
It is therefore inaccurate and unfair to conclude negligence without a thorough professional investigation.
The hospital further clarifies that:
UATH remains a fully functional tertiary healthcare institution serving thousands of Nigerians daily with dedication and professionalism.
Claims suggesting the absence of basic medical supplies or total administrative collapse are exaggerated and misleading.
The hospital maintains established protocols for emergency paediatric care, patient monitoring, and escalation procedures.
Internal reviews and appropriate clinical audits are standard practice in cases involving critical incidents.
Management urges members of the public and media practitioners to avoid sensationalism and allow due process, professional review mechanisms, and medical ethics to guide public discourse on sensitive healthcare matters.
The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital remains committed to transparency, accountability, continuous improvement, and the delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 22ND 2026)
