Resident Drags Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital To ICPC For Alleged Fraud, Negligence
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has been asked to investigate an allegation of fraud and negligence at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu university teaching hospital (COOUTH), Amaku,Awka.
The petition was lodged by a resident (name withheld) who alleged that staff of the hospital collected money from him without rendering medical services on a patient.
A copy of the petition made available to journalists in Awka on Monday said a patient in a critical condition of severe bleeding was rushed to the Emergency Unit of the hospital for urgent medical intervention on May 15 this year.
The petitioner said it was told to make payment for a treatment card but in getting to the cash point, they claimed there was a server failure and was subsequently instructed to pay into a private account (details withheld).
According to the petitioner, no patient folder was opened, no medical examination or treatment was administered, the patient remained unattended and continued to bleed for over 30 minutes even after repeated pleas with the doctor on duty to intervene.
“Due to the life-threatening delay, I was compelled to transfer the patient to a private hospital in Isuaniocha community where she received treatment.
“I returned to COOUTH to demand a refund, I was referred to a contact and I was informed that the staff who collected the payment was no longer with the hospital and was advised to seek a refund from her personally,” it said.
The petitioner said the woman was subsequently readmitted in COOUTH for a Caesarean section after spending over N260,000 at the private hospital.
The petitioner urged the ICPC to investigate the collection of the money into the private account and members of staff on duty in the Emergency Unit on the day of the incident.
“The Commission should also compel COOUTH to refund me the money and ensure the appropriate disciplinary and prosecutorial action were taken against those culpable in the act.
“I have implicit confidence in the ICPC’s mandate to uphold transparency and accountability in public institutions. I am available to provide further information and testimony as required,” it said.
The ICPC officer in Anambra has confirmed the receipt of the and assured the Commission was already investigating the case.
