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Tag: HJ CLAIROOWEN Medical Centre

  • Panel finds paediatrician culpable in baby’s death

    THE Lagos State investigative panel on the care and management of 15-month-old twin girl, Taye Adetunji, who died in curious circumstances during blood transfusion at HJ CLAIROOWEN Medical Centre, has found a paediatrician, Dr. Joy Ohirnigbe, culpable.

    Ohirnigbe, a volunteer paediatrician at the Igando General Hospital, penultimate Sunday when the child’s mother took her there, referred them to her private and illegal clinic, HJ CLAIROOWEN, where the infant died during blood transfusion.

    Following the baby’s parents’ outcry, the government, through the Ministry of Health, set up a panel to investigate what transpired from the time the woman arrived the General Hospital to when the baby died.

    Findings by the panel made available to The Nation last night indicated that a decision was taken to refer the patient to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for further management, owing to the suspected diagnosis of severe anaemia with sepsis.

    According to the report, a referral letter was written to that effect and the patient left the facility, but shockingly ended at the private clinic where she died as a result of “mismanagement and unprofessional conduct.”

    Following her death, Health Commissioner Dr. Jide Idris directed a comprehensive investigation and instructed HEFAMAA to visit the private facility, which turned out to be operating illegally under the headship of an auxiliary nurse, Dayo Badmus, the Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Adeola Salako, said.

    She said HEFAMAA had been repositioned and was being empowered to intensify its operations in tracking illegal health facilities in the state.

    Read also: Nurse gave baby overdose on doctor’s instruction, panel told

    In its report, the Health Service Commission (HSC), which concluded its investigations and submitted report to the commissioner yesterday, said Dr. Ohirnigbe ignored the established referral system and protocol of the hospital.

    The report said: “Dr Joy Ohirnigbe, who was a volunteer staff of Alimosho General Hospital until March 25, was on call duty on the day the deceased child was brought to the hospital.

    “She was found to have ignored the established referral system and protocol of the hospital by not consulting with the head of paediatrics or communicating with the nurses or the Ambulance section. Her decision was made singlehandedly for selfish and monetary gains.

    “Dr Joy flouted the conventional system of referral within the sector in which a patient is only referred from a secondary to a tertiary level of health care. In this case, LASUTH has already indicated in the deceased patient’s case file.

    “Unknown to the ministry, she illegally operates an unregistered health care facility where she employed quacks headed by Mr. Dayo Badmus, an “auxiliary” nurse.

    “Her unprofessional and negligent conduct led to the death of the patient. In a callous manner, she facilitated the quick disposal of the body without the required autopsy by instructing a nurse to give a death certificate and advising on the burial location.

    “In view of the above, she has been found culpable and the matter has been referred to the Ministry of Justice, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), as well as the police for further action and prosecution, if necessary.

    “The two other workers found negligent through acts of omission have also been reprimanded and disciplined, in accordance with civil service extant rules.”

    Quoting the commissioner, Salako said the issue had underscored the need for concerted effort by all stakeholders to eradicate quackery and other unprofessional conducts in health care delivery.

    “We must join hands in ensuring that quacks find Lagos too hot a destination for their criminal operations. Let us be provoked by the loss of this innocent life to push criminals out of the state.

    “The outcome of this tragic incident is to serve as formal notice of renewed mission to rid the state of the life-threatening scourge of quacks and quackery,” she said.

    Following the incident, Salako said Dr. Idris had noted the need to evolve strict supervisory strategies in overseeing the health care staff to ensure that unprofessional and unethical conducts are completely eradicated.

    “We enjoin Lagosians to continue to uphold the confidence reposed in the health sector, as we are committed to carrying out our mandate fully for a qualitative health care delivery.

    “While commiserating with the bereaved family on the sad loss of baby Taye, the commissioner prayed for divine comfort and consolation for the entire family at this trying period,” Salako said.

     

  • Nurse gave baby overdose on doctor’s instruction, panel told

    HJ CLAIROOWEN Medical Centre’s Head Nurse Dayo Badmus, who was referred to as Dr. Dayo by a paediatrician with the General Hospital, Igando, Lagos, identified as Dr. Joy, gave the late 15-month-old Taye Adetunji three 20 doses of analgesic injections, a panel heard yesterday.

    Badmus, it was gathered, told the Hospital Services Commission (HSC) investigating allegations of professional misconduct and negligence against the doctor that he acted on her instruction.

    The child’s parents as well as the doctor in the heat of the controversy were brought before the panel, which sat on Lagos Island yesterday, for them to state their case.

    The Nation learnt that Dr. Joy had initially denied knowing the injections Badmus administered to the toddler, but when the latter was called on hands-free phone, he confessed that the actions he took were based on the doctor’s instruction.

    Badmus, our correspondent gathered, told the panel that Dr. Joy, the owner of the unregistered private clinic, instructed him to administer 20 doses of analgesics three times to the child, adding that he also gave her another injection on her instruction.

    Dr. Joy, who had told the child’s mother, Taiwo Adetunji, that her baby needed blood and oxygen, but there was no space to admit her at the General Hospital, Igando; denied referring the patient to her clinic, but changed her statement when the note she scribbled on a discarded duplicate teller was given to the panel.

    Giving details of what transpired at the panel, a source said: “When the meeting started, the victim’s mother explained what happened and Dr. Joy was asked to react. She denied referring the woman anywhere.

    Read also: Lagos Govt orders investigation into patients’ poaching by govt doctors

    “The panel was told the family had evidence and the board requested for the evidence. She was asked if that was her handwriting and she answered in the affirmative. Then, she was warned about telling lies. She admitted that she referred them to her clinic and when they asked her the relationship between her and Dayo Badmus, she said she employed him to work for her.

    “They asked her questions about what happened that day. She explained and the board told her that from the beginning till the child died, all she did was wrong.

    “They asked her if the case was an emergency as she stated. She was asked many questions, but she could not answer them.

    “Initially, she claimed she did not know the injections Dayo Badmus administered to the baby. Badmus was called immediately and the phone was put on speaker. He said he carried out Dr Joy’s instructions from the beginning to the end.

    “After Badmus told them the drug he administered, they interpreted the drug as 20 doses that he gave three times. The board was very angry with her and assured the family that justice would be done. They assured the mother that they will do everything to ensure such a thing does not happen again.”

    The Nation gathered that the nurses on duty at the General Hospital, Igando that Sunday were also invited and they confirmed that they saw the woman and her child.

    The nurses, it was learnt, told the panel that they asked the doctor where the woman went to and Dr. Joy told them that she (Taiwo) said she would not stay at the General Hospital, Igando again.

    The Public Advice Centre (PAC) and the Child Protection Network (CPN) have petitioned relevant agencies, demanding justice.

    Contacted for an update, Health Commissioner Dr. Jide Idris said he was expecting the report of the panel today.

    “The panel sat at the HSC board. I gave them till tomorrow (today) to submit their recommendation to me,” he added.

  • Lagos confirms closure of ‘illegal’ clinic 

    THE hospital, where a 15-month-old baby, Taye, died during blood transfusion has been shut, pending investigation, the Lagos State Government confirmed at the weekend.

    This confirms The Nation’s exclusive report on the hospital’s closure on Thiursday.

    Taye, a twin girl, was referred to the HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre at 10, Busari Street, Egbeda, by a paediatrician at the General Hospital, Igando, whose name was simply given as Dr. Joy, last Sunday.

    The child’s parents  Mr and Mrs Adeola Adetunji alleged that Dr. Joy said the baby needed blood and oxygen urgently.

    Because of the urgency of the matter, she reportedly said she was referring them to Clairoowen as there was no bed space at the general hospital.

    Besides, the bereaved parents are alleging that the blood given to the baby was not screened. They accused  Dr. Joy and her clinic of negligence, adding that they buried Taye on the doctor’s advice without an autopsy.

    In a statement,  Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Adeola Salako,  said: “For the purpose of clarity, it is important to mention that safety of lives and the well-being of citizens is of utmost importance to the Lagos State Government and as such the avoidable death of 15-month-old baby Taye Adetunji is regrettable. We commiserate with the bereaved family and pray that God will comfort and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “Since the report of the unfortunate incident, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, has ordered investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of the child, as well as allegations of patients poaching by doctors from general hospitals to their private clinics.

    “It is also worthy to note that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has shut the private hospital, HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre and Maternity, where the child died and investigations are ongoing on the operations of the facility, whose documents show that it has not been registered with HEFAMAA or certified for health care delivery.

    “The ministry will make known its findings in due course and mete out appropriate sanctions to anyone found culpable in the unfortunate incident. We assure citizens of our resolve to address patients poaching and ensure that residents have access to quality health care service without exploitation.

    “As a government, the well-being of citizens is of utmost importance to us and this is the main thrust of our social contract with the people. The Lagos State Government is a responsible and responsive government and we will not rest on our oars to ensure that justice, in this case, is served without let or hindrance.

    “In this regard, we advise the public not to patronise any health facility not bearing the HEFAMAA logo and to channel complaints and petitions in respect of unprofessional conducts by health care providers or health facilities to the HEFAMAA Office, Room 514, Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “We wish to also note that it is against the norm and highly unethical for general hospitals or any government health facility to refer patients or cases to private health facilities. The public is, therefore, to take note of this and report any health worker or government facility that indulges in this unprofessional act.”

  • LASG confirms closure of ‘illegal’ clinic in baby’s death controversy

    The Lagos State Government at the weekend confirmed the shutting down of HJ CLAIROOWEN medical centre where 15-month-old Taye died during blood transfusion.

    Taye, a twin girl, was referred to the clinic by a paediatrician at Igando General Hospital Dr. Joy last Sunday evening in curious circumstances shortly after her mother, Taiwo, rushed her to the public hospital for medical attention.

    The child’s parents alleged that Dr. Joy had stated she was in need of blood and Oxygen immediately she saw them at the General Hospital, adding that there was no bed space and so, she would refer them to HJ CLAIROOWEN, which turned out to be her private clinic.

    Aside the controversy surrounding the referral, allegations that blood was infused in the baby without screening and negligence against Dr. Joy and her clinic; the child’s father, Adeola Adetunji had also alleged that they were made to bury Taye on doctor’s recommendation without an autopsy.

    Although The Nation had reported the closure of the private clinic as hinted by sources, Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Health Mrs. Adeola Salako confirmed the news in a rejoinder on Friday night.

    “For the purpose of clarity, it is important to mention that safety of lives and the wellbeing of citizens is of utmost importance to the Lagos State Government and as such the avoidable death of the 15-month-old baby, Taiwo Adetunji is regrettable. We commiserate with the bereaved family and pray that God will comfort and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “Since the report of the unfortunate incidence, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris has ordered investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of the child as well as allegations of patients poaching by doctors from general hospitals to their private clinics.

    “It is also worthy to note that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has shut the private hospital – HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre and Maternity where the child died and investigations are on-going on the operations of the facility whose documents showed that it has not been registered with HEFAMAA or certified for the purpose of health care delivery.

    “The ministry will make known its findings in due course and mete out appropriate sanctions to anyone found culpable in the unfortunate incident. We would like to assure citizens of our resolve to continuously address the issue of patient poaching and ensure that residents have unfettered access to quality health care service without exploitation.

    “As a government, the wellbeing of citizens is of utmost importance to us and this is the main thrust of our social contract with the people. The Lagos State Government is a responsible and responsive government and we will not rest on our oars to ensure that justice, in this case, is served without let or hindrances.

    “In this regard, we advise members of the public not to patronize any health facility not bearing the HEFAMAA logo and to channel complaints and petitions in respect of unprofessional conducts by health care providers or health facilities to the HEFAMAA Office, Room 514 Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “We wish to also note that it is against the norm and highly unethical for General Hospitals or any government health facilities to refer patients or cases to private health facilities. General public are therefore to take note of this and report any health worker or government facility who indulge in this unprofessional act,” she stated.

  • Lagos Govt orders investigation into patients’ poaching by govt doctors

    Lagos State Government says it has ordered investigation into the death of a child, and allegations of patients poaching by some doctors from the state General Hospitals to their private clinics.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris, also said that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) had shut private hospital, HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre and Maternity where the child allegedly died.

    According to Idris, investigations are ongoing on the operations of the facility whose documents showed that it has not been registered with HEFAMAA or certified for the purpose of healthcare delivery.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this followed a March 27 publication by Mr Adeola Adetunji, accusing a doctor at the Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, of professional misconduct

    Adetunji had sought justice following the death of his 15-month-old twin daughter, Taiwo Adetunji, at the private clinic in Lagos.

    He had alleged that the private clinic was owned by a paediatrician, who also is an employee of the state government working at the General Hospital, Igando.

    “The ministry will make known its findings in due course and mete out appropriate sanctions to anyone found culpable in the unfortunate incident.

    “We will like to assure citizens of our resolve to continuously address the issue of patient poaching and ensure that residents have unfettered access to quality healthcare service without exploitation.

    “As a government, the wellbeing of citizens is of utmost importance to us and this is the main thrust of our social contract with the people.

    “The Lagos State Government is a responsible and responsive government, and we will not rest on our oars to ensure that justice in this case is served without let or hindrances, “he said.

    The commissioner urged members of the public not to patronise any health facility not bearing the HEFAMAA logo.

    He also urged the public to channel complaints and petitions in respect of unprofessional conducts by healthcare providers or health facilities to the HEFAMAA Office, Room 514 Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “We wish to also note that it is against the norm and highly unethical for general hospitals or any government health facilities to refer patients or cases to private health facilities.

    “The general public is therefore to take note of this and report any health worker or government facility who indulge in this unprofessional act,“ Idris said.

    In its reactions, the State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has called for an improvement of the country’s hospital referral system, saying it was key to patient management.

    READ ALSO: Hospitals of death, tears and sorrow (2)

    Its Chairman, Dr Saliu Oseni, said: “The attention of NMA, Lagos has been drawn to a publication by Mr Adeola Adetunji who alleged professional misconduct by one of our members at the Alimoso General Hospital, Igando.

    “Though, the association has yet to receive an official complaint from the victim, it will be inhumane to ignore such weighty allegation especially as it involves loss of life.

    “We are aware of the pain this irreparable loss has caused the family.

    “The case is already being investigated by a panel set up by the state government and the association is following the events with keen interest.

    “This event has once again reminded us of many inadequacies in our health sector begging for urgent review.

    “Our referral system must be improved upon, simplified and made known to the public as patient referral remains a key part of patient management. “

    The chairman said that the association would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident was unravelled.

    According to him, the case is being investigated by a panel set up by the state government and the association is following the events with keen interest.

    He, however, called on the general public to continue to have faith in the health sector.

    “Justice will not only be done, but shall be seen by all to have been done as the association believes strongly in professionalism,” he said.

  • ‘Baby buried without autopsy on doctor’s recommendation’ 

    Fifteen-month-old Taye Adetunji, who died on Sunday under curious circumstances at HJ CLAIROOWEN Medical Centre, 10, Busari Street, Egbeda, Lagos, was buried without autopsy based on the clinic’s recommendation, the family has alleged.

    The child’s father, Adeola Adetunji, told our correspondent yesterday that the private hospital contacted someone at a cemetery near Command, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos and gave his brother the number of the person, for them to bury the infant there.

    Adetunji said they were given a medical report, which they took to the cemetery and gave the person ’Nurse’ Dayo Badmus linked them with, to enable them bury the baby.

    He said: “Before I came to Lagos on Monday morning, the nurse (Badmus) spoke to my brother and gave a number from the cemetery to him. Badmus directed us to the place to bury the baby. They buried the baby at Command, Ayobo, Ipaja.

    “When I returned, my baby was already dead. Yes, I saw the baby. The ‘doctor’ (Badmus) told my family that he had got a place for them and directed them to the cemetery at Command, Ipaja.

    “I asked for doctor’s report and he wanted to write it on a paper, but I refused, saying it should be on the clinic’s letterhead. He later brought the letterhead, wrote the report and signed it.

    “We gave the cemetery attendant the doctor’s report before we were allowed to bury the baby there. We also paid N7,000 at the cemetery.

    “We agreed to use the cemetery because my baby deserved last respect. We did not know about autopsy and the doctors did not say anything like that. They just told us that we should go and bury the baby and since my family lives in a rented apartment, it would not have been easy to get a burial place by ourselves. My house is in Ogun State.”

    Read also: Revealed: Baby buried without autopsy on ‘doctor’s’ recommendation

    Lagos State Government, through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has shut down the medical centre, while investigations into the allegations continue.

    The Director for Public Health, Mrs. Adeola Salako, confirmed the closure to our correspondent on the phone.

    She said investigation would be thorough and findings made public.

    Health Commissioner Jide Idris, in a phone chat with The Nation, dismissed claims by the medical director that Dr. Joy had been sacked.

    He said investigations into the matter were still on.

  • Revealed: Baby buried without autopsy on ‘doctor’s’ recommendation

    Fifteen-month-old Taye Adetunji, who died under curious circumstances at HJ CLAIROOWEN medical centre on Sunday, was buried without autopsy based on the clinic’s recommendation, the family has alleged.

    The child’s father Adeola Adetunji said Dayo Badmus told our correspondent on Thursday the private hospital contacted someone at a cemetery around Command Ipaja and also gave his brother the number of the person for them to bury the infant there.

    According to Adetunji, they were also given a medical report, which they took to the cemetery and gave the person Badmus linked them with to enable them bury the baby.

    “Before I came to Lagos on Monday morning, the nurse, Dayo (Badmus) spoke to my brother and gave a number from the cemetery to my brother.

    “Dayo directed us to the place to go and bury the baby. They buried the baby at Command, Ayobo, Ipaja.

    “When I came back, my baby was already dead. Yes, I saw the baby. The doctor (Badmus) told my family that he has gotten a place for them and directed them to the cemetery at Command, Ipaja.

    “I asked for doctor’s report and he wanted to write it on a plain paper but I refused that it should be on the clinic’s letterhead. He later brought out the letterhead and wrote the report and signed it.

    “We gave the cemetery attendant the doctor’s report before we were allowed to bury the baby there. We also paid N7, 000 at the cemetery.

    “We agreed to use the cemetery because my baby deserved her last respect. We did not know about autopsy and the doctors did not say anything like that.

    ‘’They were just telling us that we should go and bury the baby and since my family lives in rented apartment, it would not have been easy to get a burial place by ourselves and my house is in Ogun.”

    The revelation is coming just as the state government through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) shutdown HJ CLAIROOWEN medical centre while investigations into all allegations continue.

    Director for Public Health, Mrs. Adeola Salako, confirmed the closure of the clinic to our correspondent on telephone.

    She assured the investigation would be thorough and findings made public.

    Commissioner for Health Jide Idris dismissed claims by the Medical Director that the doctor in the eye of storm (Dr. Joy) had been dismissed, stating investigations into the case were still on.

    Idris said he was still in Abuja and was yet to receive reports of the detailed investigation he ordered including the registration status of the private hospital.

    He said: “Nobody can terminate appointment like that. I asked them to investigate the registration status of that hospital. They have not gotten back to me.

    “I am still in Abuja. I will get everything when I come back to my office on Friday.”

    Idris also promised to detail someone to investigate fresh allegations against the clinic that it made the family bury the child without an autopsy.

    “This is serious. I promise you I will detail someone to investigate this allegation.

    “I will get all the findings of the investigation. I will also reach out to the father of the child. Thank you for the information,” he said.

  • ‘Private clinic where baby died not registered’

    HJ CLAIROOWEN Medical Centre and Maternity in Egbeda where 15-month-old Taye died on Sunday during a blood transfusion is not registered, The Nation learnt on Wednesday.

    Officials at the State Ministry of Health told our Correspondent that the details of the hospital could not be found in the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA). HJ CLAIROOWEN situated at 10, Busari Street became embroiled in scandal following the death of the twin girl, whose parents alleged that she was infused blood without screening.

    The child’s father, Adeola Adetunji had accused a paediatrician at Igando General Hospital identified simply as Dr. Joy of luring his wife from the government hospital to her private clinic on Sunday night where his daughter died due to negligence.

    At the state secretariat Alausa, it was gathered that Health Commissioner Dr. Jide Idris had directed HEFAMAA, the Hospital Service Commission (HSC) and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health to get to the root of the case.

    It was gathered that the doctor might be dismissed for breaching the rules of engagement at the government hospital since it was unacceptable to refer a patient from public to private hospital.

    “There are too many issues involved here. It was an offence for the doctor to refer the patient to a private clinic. What the rule says is that if there is need for referral, such patient should be referred to another government facility that had the ability to manage the particular case.

    “I am a civil servant and cannot speak to you officially but I can tell you that heads will roll over this issue. The report will be submitted to the Commissioner and he is the one to talk to you on it,” said a source who craved anonymity.

    An official of the agency who contacted our Correspondent for details on the issue said HEFAMAA agents were already deployed to the area for investigation.

    She stated that there were certain standards that must be met before any hospital or clinic is approved by the agency, adding that if the logo or symbol of HEFEMAA was not engraved in the hospital, then it was not a recognised place.

    Read also: ‘How doctor’s shady practice caused me my 15-month-old baby’

    “I can tell you that serious investigation is going on. The Honourable Commissioner is interested in this case and has directed comprehensive findings. Be assured that nothing will be covered.

    “When you first told me the name of the hospital, I went to HEFAMAA office and they checked their system but it is not there. Now that we have the correct spelling, I have also given it to them. They are investigating.

    “One thing is certain, if it is a registered or approved centre, it will have HEFAMAA logo. Once the logo isn’t there, then, it is not a registered or recognised place,” she said.

    The woman also requested for the mobile number of the bereaved family so that they could be contacted, which our Correspondent availed her.

    Already, the Child Protection Network (CPN) and the Public Advice Centre (PAC) have reached out to the bereaved family and pledged to help them get justice.

    Similarly, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) had commiserated with the bereaved family, empathising with them in their moment of grieve.

    NMA President Franscis Fadule stated this during a phone conversation with our Correspondent Wednesday evening.

    Asked what the association was doing in respect of the issue, Fadule said NMA would await the outcome of the findings by the Lagos State Government which would be forwarded to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

    According to him, the allegations against the doctor were not just on alleged professional misconduct, as two of them fell within the purview of the state government to probe.

    He said: “If the doctor had erred, it could either be professional misconduct or that she treated wrongly. The doctor is employed by the state and the state has its own process of dealing with anyone who has gone against their rules of engagement. I know the state has set up an investigative panel to deal with that.

    “If she transfused a blood that is not cross-matched, then, that is against professional ethics and the NMA will take action after the investigation by the state government.

    “Thirdly is the registration of the private clinic. That one is totally within the purview of the Lagos State Government under the HEFAMAA and they have a process to deal with that.

    “Two of the processes have the state government to look into. After the findings by the government, it will go to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and once the doctor is found culpable, she will face the disciplinary tribunal which is at the stage of a Federal High Court and pronouncement will be made. Those are the ways the medical professional checks practitioners.

    “I want to use this opportunity to commiserate with the family of the deceased. As NMA, we feel pained that one of the twins has died. NMA stands for professionalism. We shall make our stand known and we shall proffer ways of dealing with such situations after receiving the report of the investigation that has been set up.”

    Contacted, Dr. Idris told our Correspondent he would revert back today (Thursday) after he must have seen the report of the investigation.