By Hassan Hussain
The management of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, has refuted allegations of systemic negligence and administrative failure circulating on social media following the death of an infant at the facility.
In a statement issued by Hadiza Malumfashi Shehu, Executive Assistant to the Chief Medical Director, UATH extended deep condolences to the bereaved family, describing the loss of any patient, particularly a child, as painful and heartbreaking.
The hospital, however, rejected attempts to portray it as a “mortuary for paediatrics and infants,” noting that such unverified claims are capable of creating unnecessary panic, fear, and mistrust in the nation’s healthcare system.
According to the management, preliminary findings revealed that the infant was brought to the facility in a critical condition following complications reportedly linked to severe malaria and convulsions prior to arrival.
It explained that, upon presentation, medical personnel immediately commenced emergency interventions in line with established protocols aimed at stabilising the patient.
Contrary to allegations circulating online, the hospital’s emergency response team acted promptly and professionally throughout the treatment process, the statement said. It added that all clinical decisions, including the transfer of the patient within the hospital, were taken strictly to improve access to specialised care and equipment required for the patient’s condition.
The statement emphasised that emergency and critical care medicine often involves highly complex situations where outcomes may remain unfavourable despite the best efforts of healthcare professionals. It described allegations of negligence made without a thorough professional investigation as inaccurate and unfair.
Management further clarified that UATH remains a fully functional tertiary healthcare institution serving thousands of Nigerians daily with dedication and professionalism. It maintained that claims suggesting a lack of basic medical supplies or a total administrative collapse were exaggerated and misleading.
The hospital noted that it operates established protocols for emergency paediatric care, patient monitoring, and escalation procedures, while internal reviews and clinical audits remain standard practice in cases involving critical incidents.
UATH urged members of the public and media practitioners to avoid sensationalism and allow due process, professional review mechanisms, and medical ethics to guide discussions on sensitive healthcare matters.
The management reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, continuous improvement, and the delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
