The Nation Newspaper

Tag: LUTH

  • ‘Cervical cancer is preventable’

    ‘Cervical cancer is preventable’

    Women should go for screening and other preventive measures against cervical cancer, and get treatment if need be, the Head, Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof Remi Ajekigbe, has said.

    He said: “This cervical cancer grows in the cervix because it begins from its cell lining. The cervix is the lower part of the womb. There are two types. The ectocervix is the portion of the cervix that projects into the vagina and the portio vaginalis. The endocervix is the inside of the cervix.

    “Cancer is the result of the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. Most of the cells in our body have a set lifespan; when they die new cells are produced to replace them. Abnormal cells can have two problems: one- they don’t die or two, they continue dividing. This results in an excessive accumulation of cells which eventually form a lump – a tumor. Scientists are not sure why cells become cancerous. However, there are some risk factors which are known to increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.”

    The risk factors, according to the oncologist, include: “Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, a sexually-transmitted virus. There are over 100 different types of HPVs – 15 types can cause cervical cancer; probably 99 per cent of them. In addition, there are a number of types which can cause genital warts.

    It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases while HPV types 6 and 11 cause 90 per cent of genital warts.

    Other HPV types can cause cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) – the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix.”

    He continued: “Another factor is many sexual partners becoming sexually active. Cervical cancer-causing HPV types are nearly always transmitted from sexual contact with an infected individual. Women who have had many sexual partners generally have a higher risk of becoming infected with HPV, which raises their risk of developing cervical cancer. There is also a link between becoming sexually active at a young age and a higher risk of cervical cancer. If a woman develops cervical cancer it does not mean she has had several sexual partners, or became sexually active earlier than other females. It is just a risk factor. Women who only ever had one sexual partner can develop cervical cancer. Smoking also increases the risk of developing many cancers, including cervical cancer. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, or transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.”

    He added: “Certain genetic are predisposed to developing cancer, including cervical cancer. Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, found that women with certain gene variations appear to be protected against cervical cancer. Long-term mental stress in a woman can trigger cervical cancer. A woman who experiences a high level of stress over sustained period may be undermining her ability to fight off HPV and be at increased risk of developing cervical cancer it can cause, scientists at the Fox Chase cancer Centre has reported.

    “Women who gave birth before they are 17 are more likely to get the disease compared to women who had their first baby when they were 25 or over. Women who have had at least three children in separate pregnancies are more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women who never had children. Long-term use of the contraceptive pill slightly raises a woman’s risk.

    Is Cervical cancer preventive? Yes, the don said. He said regular cervical screening would make it more likely that signs were picked up early and dealt with before cancer developed.

    “Regular cervical screening would make it more likely that signs were picked up early and dealt with before cancer developed,” said the Oncologist.

  • Obesity can be avoided

    Obesity can be avoided

    Obesity, being grossly fat or overweight, is becoming a public health issue. WALE ADEPOJU writes on its prevention.

    THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that overweight and obesity are major risk factors for some chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Once considered a problem only in high income countries, overweight and obesity are dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings. Consultant Physician, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Olufemi Fasanmade, has confirmed that Nigerians are not left out.

    He described an obese person as one who has accumulated so much body fat that it might have a negative effect on the health. “If a person’s bodyweight is at least 20 per cent higher than it should be, he or she is considered obese. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9, you are considered overweight. If your BMI is 30 or over, you are considered obese.

    “A good way to determine if a person is obese or overweight is to calculate the body mass index (BMI). The BMI is a statistical measurement derived from your height and weight. Although it is considered to be a useful way to estimate healthy body weight, it does not measure the percentage of body fat. “Though, the BMI measurement can sometimes be misleading – a muscleman may have a high BMI, but have much less fat than an unfit person whose BMI is lower. By looking at a person that looks fat will mean that he almost certainly is obese.

    “A person, who looks skinny can’t be obese with the calculation. However, in general, the BMI measurement can be a useful indicator for the ‘average person’.

    “The formula for BMI is equal to weight in kilogrammes divided by height times height in metres. If it is greater than 30 per cent; it is obese. This is how to determine that scientifically. But mere looking at anybody that looks fat will mean that he almost certainly is obese.

    “A person who looks skinny can’t be obese with the calculation,” he said.

     

    What causes obesity?

     

    Fasanmade said obesity is caused by two major factors: environmental and genetics.

    “In environmental factors, what happens is that the person is consuming more calories than he is actually burning. This means that if his food is much more than his exercise or output, he will have some extras. These extras are stored as fats and that’s what leads to obesity. Environmental factors are things relating to people’s diet, exercise and lifestyle. It means the person is always over-eating. Even if his parents are skinny, he will eventually become obese.

    “Talking about the genetic factor, it means the person was born into a family where there is preponderant of full-size. If that happens, it means the children or off springs of such people will have a higher risk of becoming obese. For most people, it is a combination of the two factors. Having it in the gene which is hereditary and combining it with life choices.”

     

    What are the health implications of obesity?

     

    Obesity is associated with reduction in the quality of life. It reduces life span and increases the risk for almost all illnesses.

    Dr Fasanmade said: “For instance, if somebody is obese, he has a higher risk of developing diabetes, hypertension and arthritis. Others are heart problems, cancer, skin diseases and rashes, and ulcer. He or she is also prone to accidents. Fertility is reduced in women who are obese because there’s reduction in their libido. Similarly, potency is reduced in men who are obese. There are psychological problems such as depression. In almost every sickness, the risk is increased in obesity.”

    Healthy lifestyle key

     

    Fasanmade: “The solution is lifestyle changes or modification. An obese person will need to change his lifestyle; this will help him prevent or reduce the prevalence of obesity.

    The way out is to start early. Parents and guidance should teach children/ wards healthy habits. Schools must have play grounds. Children must have enough leisure time. They shouldn’t spend many hours watching television. As children grow, they should be taught to eat fruits rather than chocolate; biscuits and other unhealthy pastries. As adults, people must always be active by engaging in exercise. To prevent obesity in adult is quite simple, anybody who does a 30 minutes brisk walk daily will reduce very significantly the rate of developing obesity. An active lifestyle is important to reducing obesity. Also, if people drink more water and less soft drinks, eat more vegetable and normal food rather than fat food, they would not get obesity. Obese people should drink water rather than soft drinks and they should get adequate relaxation.”

  • Boy, five, needs N3m for cancer surgery

    Boy, five, needs N3m for cancer surgery

    Five-year-old, Ayomide Feyisayo, needs N3 million for a cancer surgery in India.

    His mother, Ms Adewunmi Adewale said her son came down with cancer of the right jaw known as fibrosarcoma three years ago.

    According to her, it started like a pimple and within four months, it ballooned.

    “This was when I took him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Lagos.

    “There, he had a CT scan but it didn’t show what was really there. So, on February 11, he had an incisional biopsy. The doctor said he would need to have a skin graphing. Even when they had removed it the growth is still continue to grow. Then, he started bleeding. Sometimes he loses more than two litres of blood daily. It was after he started the chemotherapy session that it stopped.

    “He had another surgery on November 8 last year, this which confirmed that he was suffering from fibrosarcoma.”

    She said some tests were done, adding that he had been of chemotherapy ever since. “Now, I take him to LUTH every three weeks. Before, he was discharged on each occasion, the doctors would check his system to know how is responding,” she added.

    Ms Adewale said the oncologist advised they debulk the mass on his jaw while the oral macilofacial said the reconstruction of the jaw should come after that.

    “The chemotherapy really worked but he needs a jaw reconstruction. An expert said they will mix some bones with plastic to for his jaw,” she added.

    She said the family has spent over N1 million since October 18, when the problem began. “He is going to have his 11th course of chemotherapy. Each course costs about N150,000.

    “It is my church, Trinity House and a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Children Living with Cancer Foundation (CLWCF), which a matron introduces to me, that have been assisting me with chemotherapy drugs and finance.

    Now, the tumor has been going down but the wound is yet to heal.

    “A consultant macillofacial surgeon in LUTH, Prof Akinola Ladehinde advised that my son should be flown abroad for surgery.

    “I want people to help my son to have the surgery. I want him to come back to his normal health.”

    Ms Adewale thanked CLWCF for identifying with her at the moment of her grief. I need money to get this done. Children Living With Cancer Foundation (CLWCF): Diamond Bank: 0001180414.

    Mrs Adewale, who is separated from her husband, a company driver, said her son’s dad, Mr Oluwagbenga Feyisayo, abandoned the family when the doctors said his son would need N3 million for recovery. “We don’t even see any of his extended family members again. We were happy (together) at 5, Emmanuel Street, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos before the problem started. “We separated three years ago,” she said.

    Ms Adewale said life has been difficult for her and her son because she was forced by the problem to leave an eatery where she worked as a service assistant. “I left the place last December,” Ms Adewale said.

    Managing Director, CLWCF, Dr Nneka Nwobbi, described fibrosarcoma as the cancer of fibron connective tissue. There is adult and infantile fibrosarcoma, she added. His cancer is infantile because it is before age two and it is quite an aggressive one. “The good news is that it is curable if it is picked early,” she added.

     

  • LUTH wins fourth Nursing Games

    The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have held the fourth Nigerian School of Nursing and Midwifery Games (NISONMG) at the University of Lagos Sport Centre.

    No fewer than 10 nursing schools in the Southwest participated in the games. The event, which was hosted by the School of Nursing of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), lasted for one week. Team LUTH emerged overall winner with 16 gold medals, 15 silver and six bronze. Baptist School of Nursing in Saki, Oyo State, was second with eight gold, six silver and six bronze and Team Ado Ekiti came third with six gold, one silver and four bronze.

    Others on the medal list were Team Obafemi Awolowo University, Team Adekunle-Ajasin University, Akure; Bowen University (BU) School of Midwifery, Akure; University College Hospital, Ibadan; School of Nursing; Osogbo and School of Nursing, Eleyele.

    Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator of NISONMG, Dr Steve Olarinoye, said that the purpose of the yearly competition is to discover sporting talents and promote unity among nursing students in the country. “Just like NIPOGA or NUGA, the aim of NISONMG is to reach out to the grassroots for talents because we believe that we have talented students who can represent the country in global tournaments. We also want our students to participate in sports apart from taking care of patients. This would foster unity and their wellbeing.’’

    A student who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, Olarinoye, said that this year’s tournament was better than the last edition, saying that the organisers were able to convince more schools to participate in this year’s games. “I feel fulfilled for the overall success of this competition. This year’s game was obviously better than the last edition. More talents emerged this time and that is exciting for us. The participation was equally massive. The organisers did a fantastic job,’’ he said.

    One of the participants, Oluwasanmi Damilola, a second year student of School of Nursing at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH) said: “For me, it is a privilege representing my school. So I feel very happy to be part of history. It is fun meeting different people with similar love for sports. NISONMG gives us the opportunity to explore our talents. For me, that is commendable.’’

    However, she noted that, depite the success of the competition, there were arears that need to be improved. “The organisers should put in more efforts in planning when the next edition rolls around next year. This edition was a little sloppy. They did not keep to time. That is not good enough. Such hitches should be prevented in the coming edition.”

  • LUTH to pay striking doctors

    LUTH to pay striking doctors

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Prof. Akin Osibogun, has assured the 277 striking interns in the hospital that their two months’ salary arrears will be paid by the end of the month.

    He said the government had given the hospital money to pay the arrears.

    In an exclusive interview with The Nation, the CMD said only two of the interns were owed about seven months’ salary because they were not on the pay roll.

    He said: “One is pregnant and did not go for a chest x-ray. The second did not complete the medical clearance as well. They cannot be captured on the payroll, if they do not complete the medical clearance. About 75 interns were paid till August because they completed the requirements and were captured biometrically. Others were not because there were teething problems in the exercise, such as irregular electricity supply and faulty data capturing machines.”

    On the joining of the strike by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) since last week Monday, Osibogun said: “That was needless. ARD members knew it was not a local problem but a federal one. They did it probably to show solidarity, but all these will be resolved between today and Monday. “The strike definitely put a strain on the hospital as regards patients’ care, but thankfully the hospital did not shut down because consultants, nurses and other professionals are working.”

    ARD President in LUTH Dr. Ugwu Iziga said: “The association is more interested in discussing the training of doctors and other developments in the health sector, but in a situation where professionals cannot dispense their services because they have no money for transportation to the hospital or even feed, there is need to urgently address the situation.”

  • LUTH doctors urge end to strike

    President, Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) chapter, Dr. Emeka Ugwu, yesterday urged health workers to call off their ongoing strike in the interest of the people.

    The Joint Health Sectors Unions (JOHESU) began a nationwide strike on August 20.

    This followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government on August 1 by the association.

    Ugwu said doctors were working, despite the strike.

    He said: “We urge them in the interest of Nigerians to come back to work while negotiations are ongoing with the Federal Government.

    “The issues raised by these people are not going to protect the interest of Nigerians, should not be made to suffer because of the workers’ personal issues.

    “We have been attending to patients, including out-patients, and have been doing the work of the health workers. Doctors are working. They are doing more and it is a little bit more difficult to attend to patients on time.”

     

  • Experts call for more awareness on glaucoma

    Experts call for more awareness on glaucoma

    Mr Kolawole Samson, a retired civil servant returned from work, ate his supper and went to bed but waking up the next day, he realised he couldn’t see again.

    Family, friends and neighbours attributed his sudden blindness to “a spiritual attack” but when he sought the help of ophthalmologists, it was discovered he had glaucoma – a disease popularly called the “thief of the eye”.

    Describing what glaucoma is, during the meeting of Glaucoma Association of Nigeria (GAN), LUTH branch, Consultant ophthalmologist at the teaching hospital, Dr Adeola Onakoya, said glaucoma is an eye disease which gradually causes vision loss.

    According to her, this usually happens when the optic nerves that carries images from the eye to the brain becomes damaged.

    People, Onakoya said cannot feel the pressure that causes glaucoma, adding that they need an eye examination to check the pressure and the health of their optic nerve.

    She said: “This results in gradual vision loss. It usually begins in the side vision before slowly move inward until the vision is lost completely if left untreated. In most cases, the optic nerve becomes damaged by the pressure inside the eye called intraocular pressure (IOP).

    “When the pressure in the eye is too high, it pushes on the cells that make up the optic nerve. Over time, this is pressure damages the cells and causes them to die eventually. This is what causes permanent vision loss. Damage to the optic nerve can happen slowly, so it is difficult to notice.”

    Onakoya said about two million people are living with the ailment in Nigeria. This figure, she said, represented about 20 per cent of people above 40 years.

    She said no fewer than 200,000 people are blind across the world, adding that glaucoma is the second leading cause of visual impairment after cataract. It also represents 17 per cent, she said.

    Onakoya, who is a glaucoma specialist, said of 4.2 per cent blindness rate glaucoma represents 0.7 according to the Nigeria National Blindness Survey 2005 to 2007.

    She said no fewer than 2,400 glaucoma patients visit LUTH monthly to receive treatment, adding that majority of them present late.

    She said everybody can get glaucoma but the condition is common in older people, especially those above 60 years.

    “Also, people with IOP and those with family history of the condition. Black Africans and Asians. People who are very near-sighted. People who use steroids to treat conditions such as asthma and those who have had eye injuries or eye surgery, which can damage the pressure-regulating system of the eye.

    She said patients can use medications such as eye drop to lower the pressure of the eye. Laser therapy or surgery can be used if the medications are not enough.

    These treatment, she said should begin early because once vision is lost, it could not be recovered.

    Chairman, GAN, LUTH Branch, Chief Adesiyakan Adeduro recommended regular eye check to ensure early detection of glaucoma.

    He noted that the best way to treat glaucoma is for it not to lead to blindness, adding that medications such as eye drops are essential to prevent going blind.

    “The condition is hard to manage because of the fund involved as eye drops are quite expensive and not many patients can afford them,” he stated.

    Prof Adebukunola Adefula-Ositelu urged people living with eye problem to take medications appropriately. She advised that no drug should be taken late at night, especially shortly before bed time to avoid it having adverse effect on the eyes.

    Eye drops are to help stabilise the eye pressure, she added.

    She said: “People with eye problem must always keep to doctors appointment and must complete treatment. Do not lie down with your eyes faced down, because this would bring up the eye pressure and thus damage the eye.”

    Onakoya said water was good for the body but noted that a glaucoma patient should not take more than half a cup at a time every 30 minutes than gulping down two cups and more.

    She stressed that the correct and timely use of anti-oxidants, eye drops as well as eating of raw fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, garden egg and grape would help in the recovery of the eye.

    Head of Department, Ophthalmology, LUTH, Prof Folasade Akinsola said patients should keep to their appoitment date in the clinic and use their medications correctly.

    She advised that when applying the eye drop, it should be dropped on the lower part of the eyes and the eyes should be closed gently.

     

  • These children need N17.5m to battle cancer

    These children need N17.5m to battle cancer

    On their sick beds at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), their prayer is to live. Will Nigerians hearken to the cries of Timothy Olaonipekun (13), Chioma Ukanwa (9) and Esther Ekpo (19 months), who are suffering from cancer? WALE ADEPOJU reports.

    THERE they lay on their beds-helpless in the same ward. The three of them have one thing in common: they are suffering from cancer. They require a total of N17.5 million to live in their wards at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). These children are hanging on to life, praying that help would come. Their parents, who have been straining themselves to pay hospital bills, also join their kids in prayers.

    The lives of Timothy Olaonipekun (13); Chioma Ukanwa (9) and Esther Ekpo (19 months) depend on the lifeline they can get from kindhearted Nigerians. Olaonipekun needs N2.5 million, Ukanwa; N10 million and Baby Ekpo, N5 million for treatment. They have cancer.

    Olaonipekun, Junior Secondary pupil of Baptist Boys High School (BBHS), Abeokuta, Ogun State, is battling with leukaemia – cancer of the blood.

    His father, Mr Muyiwa Olaonipekun, said he has spent over N2 million on his son’s ailment, yet the boy would need more money to live.

    Recounting how his ordeal began, Master Olaonipekun said he had a fever early last July and was admitted in the hospital for some days but was discharged when he got better.

    “The morning after I was discharged I became feverish again and for six days I was admitted again at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    “There, I was asked to do tuberculosis (TB) test which was negative. In the 10th week of treatment, I was re-examined and I had a biopsy at the same hospital in Abeokuta where the doctor attended. He gave me a bombshell. He said I have cancer – lymphoblastic.”

    His father said: “The drugs that he is taking are too strong and they don’t allow him to eat. The histopathology report said he has Axilliary Lymp Mode – High Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphona. It was after this that he was referred to LUTH where he was admitted on November 14, last year. But when his situation improved he was discharged on February 5, this year after the completion of the second round of chemotherapy. He has since been going for chemotherapy. He has resumed the third chemotherapy. It was at LUTH that the doctor said he had leukemia (lymphona).

    “He had some lumps all over his body before he came down with the disease finally. We have spent 13 weeks at LUTH. Initially, we spent 71 days together during the second phase but since then it has been one crisis or the other.”

    Olaonipekun listed the challenges he had undergone to ensure his child stays alive and gain good health back. “Getting platelets in the hospital is a problem. Also, the machine in the hospital has stopped working. LUTH is the major market for platelet. We buy platelet for N5,000, but elsewhere it is sold for N17,000 per pint. There is a hospital in Ikeja where we usually buy the product for N17,000.”

    Olaonipekun, a widower, who lost his wife on April 14, last year, is appealing to well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and governments at all levels to come to the aid of his dying son.

    He said the BBHS has been supportive but added that his son would need N2.5 million to complete the fourth therapy session.

    “At the moment, Timothy is on the 13th day of a 56-day third course,” Olaonipekun said.

    Ukanwa has also been battling with leukaemia since 2008.

    According to her father, Mr Charles Ukanwa, the ailment started with a fever.

    “She also had rashes all over her body. So, we took her to a private clinic in Lagos. It was from there that we were referred to LUTH in September 2008. She was admitted in the Accident and Emergency Ward (A and E) for three weeks before she was transferred to the Children Ward. My daughter was diagnosed of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

    “She had stayed at the Ward D of the hospital for six months, receiving treatment. After she recovered, we stopped taking her to the hospital for treatment due to lack of finance because her treatment was expensive. But, unfortunately, she suffered a relapse in January 2010, but she was okay all through 2009,” he said.

    Ukanwa said the family has spent over N5 million on her treatment.

    “At the moment, she has finished her induction, but she’s staying for further treatment and observations. She presented with swollen leg, neck and jaw, ears and severe pain.

    “Whenever she takes drugs, she usually becomes normal. And she has been in the hospital since last July. This has affected her education as she is still in Primary Four.

    “Her mother, who is an auxilliary nurse, has been waiting on her since she took ill. And she is not working at the moment. The consultant in-charge advised that she should be taken to India where she would be treated for N10 million. But where we would raise that is our challenge and we will for ever be grateful to all and sundry who will help save our daughter’s life and keep us also as parents,” she said.

    Another patient, little Esther Ekpo, 19-month-old, has cancer of the ovary.

    Her mother, Mrs Ann Ekpo, said: “I don’t blame people running away from Nigeria. I’ve friends, who are married to Ghanaians and other nationalities and have gone for good. The government has not done anything to make life meaningful for the people. I discovered that my daughter has ovarian cancer in January. This was after her stomach became swollen. Then, she had a CT Scan, which showed that there was a tumour in her left side.

    “After this shocking discovery, we were referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). But because of lack of bed she was again referred to LUTH. She had a biopsy. When they opened her up, they found out that the mass was large. The expert advised she goes on chemotherapy. She has been on oxygen mask. She is also on drug and doesn’t eat. We feed her through a tube,” she said.

    Unhappy, Mrs Ekpo said the chemotherapy is killing her daughter. She needs red and white blood cells and platelets to survive, but they are not available in this hospital.

    “We have been going to the Island Maternity, Lagos to get platelets. This is not supposed to be so. The trauma is too much for us to bear. I’ve been going to LUTH’s blood bank as if I’m going to the market. My little Esther has been admitted since March. I have spent more than N1 million on her treatment. I need help as soon as possible for my daughter not to die. Someone out there should please help me,” she said.

    Are you moved to reach all or any of these children? Here are their contacts:

    Timothy Olaonipekun: Stanbic IBTC: 0005233079.

    Chioma Ukanwa— Charles Ukanwa: First City Monument Bank: 1298996016.

    For Esther Ekpo, Nnamdi Ekpo: FirstBank: 3005332691.

  • LUTH doctors seek justice for ‘attacked’ colleague

    •HoD: I didn’t assault anyone

    The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, has decried alleged verbal attack on one of its members, Dr. Aiyedun Akeremale, by the Head of the Accident and Emergency (A & E) Department, Dr. Kunle Badmus.

    It gave the hospital’s management two weeks to look into its complaint and take disciplinary actions.

    The association accused Badmus of talking down on young doctors and physically assaulting them in the presence of patients.

    It alleged that about two years ago, Badmus slapped the former president of the association, simply identified as Dr. Momoh. The doctors alleged that Badmus assaulted the Senior Registrar, Family Medicine, simply identified as Dr. Akujobi, last year.

    They urged the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu; LUTH Board Chairman; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN); the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA); the Director of Administration and the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee to intervene and “save them from further assault”.

    The association said the alleged verbal attack on Akeremale was witnessed by doctors, nurses, record officers, patients and their relations at the A & E.

    It alleged that Badmus instigated a patient’s relation to write a petition against Akeremale and described the action as “contrary to the Code of Conducts”.

    It demanded the removal of Badmus as the Head of the A & E; that he should be sanctioned and that he should not be granted leave until the probe is concluded.

    ARD President Dr. Ugwu Iziga said: “The association is more interested in discussing the training of doctors and other developments in the health sector, but in a situation where professionals cannot dispense their services in a relaxed environment, there is need to urgently address the situation.

    “The case in question is that of assault. There are rules addressing that in the civil service. We are waiting for the management to address the situation. We want the person involved to be punished. We do not want the innocent to be punished or victimised.

    “More so, there have been established cases in the past and they were not addressed. We feel it is important to discourage such acts. The Federal Government has a standard for the work environment and we want everybody to maintain decorum in the workplace. We have confidence that the LUTH management would address the issue because a new board is in place. Justice delayed is justice denied, so we want to ensure that the right thing is done.

    “We cannot fold our hands while our members are being assaulted. If something occurred about 17 days ago and we are yet to see actions in form of investigation or disciplinary actions, we believe additional two weeks would be sufficient for the management to take decisive actions.

    “There must be examples, so that there would be decorum in the work place. We do not want people to be injured at the workplace.”

    ARD General Secretary Dr. O. Bankole said: “We are not taking sides, but the workplace should be conducive for our members to discharge their duties.”

    The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Akin Osibogun, said: “I am aware of the matter and it is not a physical assault case as some quarters are insinuating. It is that of a senior staff gingering up his junior. If that is misconstrued as verbal assault, we are set to investigate further.”

    On the allegation that Badmus wanted to evade being investigated by travelling abroad, the CMD said: “The case under investigation is not that of a grievous offence; only then can he be restrained. There is administrative procedure and that is what we are following. I have interviewed the two men involved and Akeremale does not seem to have the attitude some people are putting up.

    “We are following the procedure to establish if there was serious misdemeanour by Badmus. From my interaction with the two of them, it is just as I said; a case of a superior trying to correct his subordinate. And mind you, no relation of any patient has written me on the conduct or otherwise of Akeremale.”

    Badmus said he was surprised by the allegation that he had been “slapping” young doctors.

    He said: “They are mauling my character. I am a civil servant. They should channel their misgivings to the right place and enquiries would be conducted. I am a law abiding citizen. Medicine is my profession and I have respect for humanity and life.

    “Two years ago something like this was alleged. I am used to such. I have been through that with them. If in the process of supervising a young doctor one is misconstrued, then let enquiries establish the truth. Categorically, I can state that I did not slap any of the young doctors.”

    Akeremale said he was not physically assaulted.

    He said: “In a situation where someone will come and be dressing you down as a doctor in the sight of your patients, invariably the patients lose confidence in you and your morale is affected.”

  • Court remands three in custody for ‘forgery’

    An Igbosere High Court, Lagos, has remanded three men in custody for alleged forgery of medical report purportedly issued by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

    The defendants are Jonathan Udeagbala, 48; Emmanuel Inyang, 33 and Dr. Ayantola Isaac, 44.

    While Udeagbala was remanded in prison custody, Inyang and Isaac were left with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who instituted a six-count charge against the trio.

    Udeagbala, the first defendant, was alleged to have paid the second and third defendants N20, 000, to produce a fake doctor’s report, which was presented before Justice D.O. Oluwayemi, as the reason he jumped bail in N140 million suit brought against him by the EFCC.

    Sometime last year, the EFCC arrested and arraigned Udeagbala for allegedly obtaining N140 million from Leo Eze and Francis Nwagbale, under the guise that he has a valid dealership with one of the telecommunication service providers.

    According to EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, Udeagbala conspired with the others to obstruct the course of justice by procuring a false document titled “to whom it may concern medical report Re: Jonathan Udeagbala Ref no; LUTH 436\VOL2\44” dated December 4, 2012.

    He said: “On or about December 3, 2012, Udeagbala attempted to obstruct the course of justice in charge LCD\129\2012, between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Jonathan Udeagbala and 1 other, by paying N20, 000 to procure a false medical report.

    “They went further to present the false medical report purporting same to have been issued by LUTH.

    “The trio, with intent to defraud, knowingly and fraudulently forged the said document and fraudulently used same before Justice Oluwayemi by presenting the said document through Udeagbala’s counsel, U. C. Ikegbule.”

    The alleged offence, Rotimi said contravened Sections 364, 363, 409 and 97(3) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

    The three defendants, who were represented by three lawyers, pleaded not guilty to the six count charges against them.

    Counsel to Udeagbala, G.E. Ojiekhude, made an oral application for bail of his client, which was objected by the EFCC.

    Ojiekhude, in his submission, urged the court to allow his client go home since he was enjoying bail from the substantive suit, adding “the offence for which he is being arraigned is not a capital one.”

    He also prayed for an adjournment to allow him go through the proof of evidence. Making reference to Section 36 of the Administration of Criminal Justice System, the lawyer noted that he was not given enough time to study the proof of evidence.

    Inyang’s lawyer, G.J. Daniel, also applied for the bail of his client but their applications were objected by Rotimi, who notified the court that evidence against the defendants were overwhelming.

    In her ruling, Oluwayemi, ordered that the first defendant be remanded in prison custody, while the second and third defendants be kept in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter to April 25.