The Lagos State Government (LASG) has ordered the probe of Premier Specialist Medical Centre in Lekki area of the state, over the death of Peju Ugboma, a Lagos-based chef.
In a statement signed by one Nwabeze Ugboma on behalf of the deceased’s family, Peju died days after undergoing fibroid surgery in the hospital.
The family said an independent autopsy by pathologists at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) showed that Peju suffered internal bleeding after the surgical procedure, adding that the autopsy discovered that she had about two litres of blood in her abdomen and pelvic area.
The statement read in part, “An independent autopsy carried out by pathologists at LASUTH with credible observers and Premier Hospital in attendance revealed that Peju suffered internal bleeding. It was discovered that she had about two litres of blood in her abdomen and pelvic area.
“The family revealed that Peju was admitted to Premier Specialists’ Hospital on Thursday, April 22, 2021, to carry out an elective surgery for a fibroid issue…She had concluded all the necessary tests required before the surgery, including ECG, PCV, and COVID-19 tests. Her vitals were okay and she had no pre-existing conditions prior to surgery.”
The deceased’s family reportedly made an advance payment of N1 million for the surgery before four doctors, identified as Akinsiku, Iwuh, Asemota and Renner, and other medical personnel at the hospital operated on the mother of two on Friday, April 23, 2021.
“Peju’s husband saw her after the surgery on Friday and she complained about severe abdominal pain and discomfort, which he felt was not unusual for someone, who had just come out of surgery,” the letter added.
It was however learnt that when Peju’s condition deteriorated, she was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital after her husband paid an additional N1.5 million.
“Peju kept complaining of severe pain, and her eyes had turned yellowish. At about midnight that Saturday, she was sedated intravenously. By 6.30am on Sunday, her husband was surprised to find out that his wife had been placed on a respirator. Dr. Renner told him that her condition had deteriorated through the night,” the letter read.
It was further learnt that the management of Premier Specialists’ Medical Centre moved Peju to Evercare Hospital in Lekki Phase 1 for CT scan and dialysis.
“Immediately she arrived there, she was met by their medical team and taken to the ICU. Her husband was asked to pay another N1m at Evercare, and he made the payment immediately.
“The head of the ICU detected that Peju did not have a pulse and emergency CPR commenced immediately. This failed and she was pronounced dead by 2.20pm on Sunday. It is clear that Peju bled internally from Friday after the surgery till Sunday when she died,” the statement added.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency said an order had been given for a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of Peju.
“The Honorable Commissioner @LSMOH, @ProfAkinAbayomi, had directed @HEFAMMA_LASG; the agency charged with the responsibility of accrediting, monitoring, and inspecting all public and private health facilities in the State, to conduct a proper investigation on the occurrence to establish the facts of the matter and ensure #JusticeForPeju with a view to preventing such unfortunate incidents in the future,” the agency said in a statement seen by OduNews.com.
