The family of a woman who died after childbirth at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has accused the facility of medical negligence and a critical lack of basic life-saving equipment, including an oxygen machine, which they claim led to her death.
According to reports, Amina Muhammad Aliyu Gumel, a young mother, was admitted to the hospital last Friday after experiencing complications. Her mother, Bilkisu Mukhtar, alleged that the hospital’s delayed response to her deteriorating health after a caesarean section (CS) contributed to her death.
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She described the ordeal as a nightmare, stating that the CS was delayed initially because doctors insisted on having blood available in case it was needed during or after the procedure. After the operation, Amina’s condition became critical, and she struggled to breathe.
“The doctors didn’t act swiftly despite her obvious need for urgent help,” Bilkisu said. “They said she didn’t need blood, but later changed their minds. It was all inconsistent and unprofessional.”
The family claimed that Amina was placed on oxygen with a manual machine and later connected to an oxygen concentrator, but there was no electricity to power the device. “We watched her struggle to breathe, unable to do anything,” Bilkisu lamented.
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The family also alleged that they were denied their request to transfer Amina to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and instead, she was moved to the labour room despite having already given birth. Amina died shortly after.
Devastated by the incident, the family vowed not to remain silent, seeking to raise awareness about what they described as a failing healthcare system that puts lives at risk.
AKTH Chief Information Officer, Hauwa’u Inuwa Dutse, stated that the hospital is investigating the matter and will provide details to the public once the investigation is complete.
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Patient relatives do not have the authority to dictate medical procedures or patient care decisions. This statement comes in response to allegations of negligence and equipment failure following the death of a woman after childbirth.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for improved hospital management, better emergency response systems, and adequate medical equipment in public health institutions.