The management of Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Daura has suspended a doctor for three months over allegations of failing to respond promptly to an emergency case involving a patient who later died after being transferred to another hospital.
Medical Director Confirms Disciplinary Action
The hospital's Medical Director, Umar Farouk, confirmed the disciplinary action while responding to concerns raised by the deceased patient's family through their legal representatives. According to Farouk, the patient was referred to FMC Daura from the Armed Forces Reference Hospital Daura on April 23 after reportedly developing complications following a blood transfusion.
He explained that the patient was admitted through the hospital's Accident and Emergency Unit before being moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for specialised treatment. Farouk acknowledged that the doctor on duty failed to respond promptly to the emergency situation, prompting management intervention.
“The patient arrived in a critical condition, and when it became clear that the on-call doctor had not responded as expected, I was contacted in the early hours of the morning. I came to the hospital around 4 a.m., attended to the patient, resuscitated her and stabilised her in the ICU,” he said.
Investigation and Suspension
Following the incident, the hospital directed its SERVICOM unit to investigate the circumstances surrounding the delayed response. “The investigation report was submitted to management, and the doctor concerned has been suspended for three months pending the outcome of further investigations,” Farouk added.
The medical director said the patient's relatives later requested a transfer to Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, which was approved by the hospital. He noted that an ambulance and an intensive care nurse were provided to accompany the patient during the transfer. “It was after the transfer that we learnt the patient passed away in Katsina. We do not have details of the circumstances surrounding her death there,” he said.
Family Demands Answers
Meanwhile, the family's legal representatives, Abdullahi Mohammed & Co. (Jurist Chamber), have reportedly issued a 14-day ultimatum to the hospital, demanding the conclusion of investigations and details of disciplinary measures taken over the incident. Farouk confirmed receipt of the legal correspondence and said the matter had been referred to the hospital's legal department.
“We have responded through our legal officer, informing them of the actions already taken, including the suspension of the doctor and the ongoing investigations. We are appealing to the family to allow due process while management continues to address the matter responsibly,” he said.
The hospital reiterated its commitment to accountability, stating that any staff member found culpable at the end of the investigation would face appropriate sanctions.
