Patient Blames UCH for Radiotherapy-Induced Blindness

A patient, Mr Ayoola Idowu, has accused the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan of medical negligence.

According to Mr Idowu, the incident occurred during treatment on April 21, 2021, when he was subjected to radiotherapy without proper eye protection.

Despite voicing his concerns about vision loss afterwards, the hospital allegedly dismissed them, attributing his condition to a previous surgery at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo.

In a petition titled “Petition for Justice Against University Teaching Hospital Ibadan Negligence Leading to Blindness of Mr Ayoola Idowu,” signed by Comrade Levite A. Akpan.

Akpan, National President of Citizens Rights International for Human Rights and Justice, the group representing Mr Idowu claims that subsequent examinations confirmed nerve damage resulting in irreversible blindness.

The petition, addressed to UCH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Jesse Abiodun Owubanyo Oteghayo, calls for a thorough investigation, disciplinary action against the staff involved, and compensation for Mr Idowu.

They also demand that stricter safety protocols be implemented to prevent future incidents.

Mr Idowu who recounted his ordeal described how his life took a tragic turn after a seemingly routine medical procedure. Initially treated for a keloid at FMC Owo, he was advised to undergo follow-up radiotherapy at UCH.

According to him, what began as a hopeful journey to recovery ended in darkness, as his vision deteriorated rapidly after the first session, culminating in total blindness.

Despite his desperate pleas, the hospital staff allegedly refused to take responsibility, instead blaming his condition on the earlier surgery.

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As his world shrank to the confines of his home, Mr. Idowu found hope in the support of Comrade Akpan and Citizens Rights International.

Through their efforts, a petition was also submitted to the Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, demanding accountability from UCH.

The petition vividly details the negligence Mr Idowu endured, stating: “On 21/4/2021, Mr Ayoola Idowu underwent a radiotherapy session at University College Hospital, UCH. Due to improper calibration and handling of the radiotherapy machine, he suffered severe damage, resulting in complete blindness. This tragic outcome is a direct result of negligence and lack of proper protocol adherence by the hospital staff.”

The group asserts that Mr Idowu was placed inside the radiotherapy machine without eye protection during his first session, and although his face was covered in the subsequent session, it was already too late. Within days, he lost his sight entirely.

Despite seeking further evaluation at FMC, UCH, and LASUTH, the diagnosis remained grim—irreversible nerve damage.

Citizens Rights International is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, accountability, and the implementation of stricter safety measures.

They also demand fair compensation and ongoing support for Mr Idowu, including treatment to restore his sight, if possible.

The petition concludes, “We trust that the Federal Ministry of Justice and Health will take our concerns seriously and act swiftly to address this grave injustice.”

In response, UCH management has acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that an investigation is underway.

A letter from the hospital, dated July 22, 2024, and signed by Mr. Olubukola O. Ogunlade on behalf of the Director of Administration and Chief Medical Director, stated, “The Management of the Hospital empathizes with you. Rest assured that investigations into all allegations in your letter have commenced and appropriate findings will be communicated to you in due course.”

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