Kano Suspends 3 Health Workers Over Surgical Error Death

In a move that highlights the growing demand for accountability in the Nigerian healthcare sector, the Kano State Hospitals Management Board (KSHMB) has officially suspended three medical staff members following the tragic death of a patient, Aishatu Umar.

The disciplinary action comes after a preliminary investigation confirmed a harrowing instance of medical negligence: a pair of surgical scissors was allegedly left inside the patient’s body during a procedure at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre.

The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the state’s medical community, raising urgent questions about theatre protocols and the safety of surgical patients. Following the outcry surrounding the death of Ms. Umar, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, ordered an immediate internal probe to verify the claims. The results of that investigation, released this weekend, confirmed that the lapse in professional standards did indeed occur within the walls of the specialized facility.

The Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, issued a formal statement confirming that the three staff members directly linked to the surgical procedure have been removed from all clinical duties. This suspension serves as an immediate precautionary measure while the case undergoes a more rigorous legal and professional review.

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“The matter has been formally referred to the Kano State Medical Ethical Committee,” Suleiman stated. This committee, comprised of senior medical professionals and legal experts, will determine the extent of the negligence and recommend permanent disciplinary actions, which could include the revocation of medical licenses or criminal prosecution, depending on the final findings.

For the family of the late Aishatu Umar, the government’s admission of guilt provides little comfort but marks a necessary step toward justice. The Board expressed its profound grief over the incident, stating, “The Kano State Hospitals Management Board extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late Aishatu Umar and sympathizes with them over this painful loss.”

However, the incident has touched a nerve with the public. Many are asking how a basic “instrument count”, a standard global practice where every tool is accounted for before a patient is stitched up, could have failed so spectacularly. In medical circles, leaving a foreign object inside a patient is often referred to as a “never event”, an error so egregious that it should never occur if basic safety checklists are followed.

In response to the backlash, the KSHMB has promised that this will not be treated as an isolated incident but as a catalyst for systemic reform. Dr. Nagoda emphasized that the board is now on a mission to “safeguard the lives, dignity, and trust” of every patient in the state.

“The Management Board remains resolute in strengthening internal monitoring and enforcing professional standards,” the statement continued. The board has pledged to increase the frequency of unannounced inspections and to implement a more robust oversight mechanism in all 91 state-run facilities to ensure that surgical protocols are strictly followed.

As the Medical Ethical Committee begins its work, the people of Kano, and indeed all of Nigeria, are watching closely. The outcome of this case will likely serve as a benchmark for how the government handles the delicate balance between protecting healthcare workers and ensuring the ultimate safety of the citizens they serve.