The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, has come under sharp criticism after a family alleged that negligence and delays by medical staff led to the death of their relative, Mrs. Charity Unachukwu, following a road accident.
In a detailed account shared by her sister, Mrs. Phina Unachukwu Ezeagwu, the family said they rushed Charity through several hospitals before finally arriving at UNTH, where they claim she was denied prompt treatment.
“We rushed into the emergency unit and met Dr. Eze Ik, who refused to admit us nor even look at the blood-soaked patient outside, stating that there was no bed,” Ezeagwu alleged. “It was 1 a.m. on September 20, and despite all pleas, she was not admitted until 3 a.m., after my husband and the ambulance driver brought in a bed themselves.”
The family further alleged that laboratory delays stalled urgent blood transfusion.
“At the lab, my husband was asked to come back by 6 a.m., then by 7 a.m., and later told that work only starts at UNTH by 9 a.m. This was for a patient whose form was clearly marked ‘very urgent,’” she recounted.
According to her, the blood samples eventually drawn coagulated before testing, forcing staff to collect more blood from a patient who had already lost so much.
“By 1:30 p.m., my sister had started having respiratory distress. Still, no transfusion had been done. At 1:45 p.m., she gave up the ghost. The hematology result was not ready, and no transfusion was carried out for more than 12 hours,” Ezeagwu said tearfully.
She also accused some staff of unprofessional conduct, including porters allegedly removing oxygen carelessly and refusing to assist without quarrels.
“Even the doctor told us the lab was a different department and she had no control over them. That was the excuse we heard while our sister’s condition deteriorated,” she added.
Describing the ordeal as “a true reflection of Nigeria’s broken health system,” Ezeagwu lamented:
“UNTH killed my sister with negligence of duty. Nothing is working at UNTH, not even control of junior staff. The conveniences are a complete write-off, an eyesore in a health facility.”
Mrs. Charity Unachukwu, described as “a confidant, humble sister, and loving mother,” died around 1:45 p.m. on September 20 after being admitted to UNTH at 3 a.m.
Her sister’s account has since sparked outrage, with many Nigerians on social media calling for urgent reforms in the country’s public health institutions.
As of press time, the UNTH management had not issued a response to the allegations.
