Epe General Hospital Management Visits Pastor Who Accused It Of Culpability In Wife’s Death

It’s a thing of rarity for a medical outfit in Nigeria — a public hospital at that, where indifference and contemptuous behaviour towards patients are the order of the day — to send a high-powered delegation to the family of a patient who died in their hospital for commiseration

But in fit of surreal compassion, the management of Epe General Hospital, ably led by led by Dr. Mustapha S.B, took it upon itself to pay a condolence visit to a pastor who lost his wife at the hospital following childbirth complications.

It would be recalled that EkoHotBlog had, last month, reported about how a Pastor Accuses Epe General Hospital Of Culpability In Wife’s Death.

The clergyman, who appealed to the Lagos state government to investigate the matter and unleash the full wrath of the law on the staff involved in the incident for not upholding their hypocratic oath to save lives at all times, said he lost his wife because of N29, 000.

He also called on the Nigerian Medical Association, civil society organizations, media, and good spirited and benevolent individuals to help him get justice for his late wife, saying it will serve as deterrent to others, noting that with his family can never remain the same because of the loss which he said has left the deepest scar in their lives.

The Epe community was thrown into mourning following the demise of pastor Ayobami’s wife, Mrs. Esan, a staff of Epe Grammar School. Her demise sparked outrage both offline and online.

The sad news spread like wildfire on various social media platforms as it is believed by the husband, Pastor Ayobami who broke the news, that his wife died due to negligence by health officials of Epe general hospital.

The allegation elicited reactions from news channels, government agencies, youth bodies, and non-governmental organizations.

Consequently, The management of Epe General Hospital, led by Dr. Mustapha S.B in the company of Mrs. Oludipe M.A (HOD HMIS), Matron Balogun (Apex Matron), Mr. O.J Dawodu ( Head of Admin & H.R), Mrs. Ogunyadeka (Auditor) and Mrs. Ayanbisi (Social Welfare), paid a condolence visit to Pastor Ayobami whose wife died from health complications after childbirth.

The visit took place today May 22nd, 2020 in his residence at Poka, Epe.

The Medical Director spoke at length with Eko Hot Blog Correspondent about the essence of the visit even when the unfortunate incident occurred over a month ago.

“We are not here to silence him but to sympathize with him and tender our unreserved apology about the incident.

“We came to commiserate with him and want him to accept our deep condolences about the unfortunate demise of his wife.

“Our intention is to help the child that his deceased wife left behind in terms of medical support whenever the need arises. We are also here to check on the husband to chat the way forward as regards his health because his well being is of paramount concern to us.

“We need him to be healthy so that we can be happy together.

“Yes, it took us this long to embark on this condolence visit because I was away on sick leave for over a month which coincided with when the sad incident occurred.

“I deemed it fit to visit him immediately I recovered from my little health challenge. It is good to note that we were here two days ago for this visit but unfortunately, Pastor Ayobami was not around. It took the effort of his Landlord, Mr. Dada Amusa, who assisted us in putting a call through to him and he assured us of being around today, ” he said.

Dr. Mustapha further allayed fears of the public towards the hospital management and also informed our Correspondent that, he is not required to speak on matters regarding those found wanting on the sad incident.

He attributed some of the allegations raised against health officials in the hospital to inexperience and inadequate customer relations.

He expressed his dissatisfaction with the challenges experienced in the hospital.

“I want the public to know that Epe General hospital is safe for delivery provided pregnant mothers register adequately.

“I plead with members of this community to patronize Epe GH because the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) contribute to most of the maternal mortality cases recorded here.

“I am not required to speak on the level of investigation into the matter as the Health Service Commission is already handling the case.

“I don’t see the matter the health officials involved as negligence but human flaws such as inexperience, poor attitude, and customer relations.

“The doctor involved is barely a year plus in service and has yet to confirm his appointment. As it stands, this hospital is short of eight doctors based on an estimate of patients coming for treatment.

The M.D therefore, pleaded with the government to employ more capable hands in the system.

He also advocated for the rural posting of expert medical personnel for one or two years to the hospital.

He noted that poor electricity and road networks are impeding the progress and development of the hospital.

Earlier, Pastor Ayobami expressed his profound gratitude towards the MD and his team for finding time to pay him a visit.

He also appreciated the painstaking efforts and massive supports of foremost Human Rights Lawyer and Activist, Mr. Femi Falana, Hon. Tobun Abiodun, Member Lagos State House of Assembly, Epe Constituency I, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and other notable individuals.

Although, he expressed shock at the loss of his wife, he attributed the death of his wife to God’s making. He also hinted that his son is doing fine with a family member who is a nurse.

“I thank you for this visit. I am happy that you came and God will continue to bless you. I use this medium to appreciate those that have been supporting me financially and morally so far.

“My beloved wife’s demise gives me excruciating pains and I will sorely miss her. My wife is my strength in everything and a pillar of support.

“My house is now a desert, I am totally destabilized, I find it difficult to cope.

“Negligence of health officials at the hospital killed my wife because if she had been operated under the stipulated time by her medical consultant, she would not have lost so much blood.

“God knows best as I have sought refuge in Him”, he said.