Private medical practitioners in Lagos have criticized the findings of the panel assembled by the State House of Assembly to investigate the case of the missing intestine of the late 12-year-old Adebola Akin-Bright.
Represented by the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Lagos State chapter, these doctors have highlighted several issues. They contend that the absence of a medical doctor on the panel hindered its ability to comprehend certain aspects of medical practice, evident in the questions raised during its proceedings.
Furthermore, they have opposed calls for the arrest of the private doctor involved, attributing this demand to emotional reactions to the tragic news of the child’s death.
In a press statement issued by Dr. Makinde Akinlemibola, Chairman of ANPMP Lagos Branch, and Dr. Debo Adebiyi, General Secretary, titled “Re: The Case Of Alleged Missing Intestines; Setting The Records Straight,” the association clarified its stance.
They emphatically asserted that there is no justifiable cause to demand the private doctor’s arrest, particularly in light of the absence of any action taken against the government hospital and its personnel implicated in the matter of the missing intestine.
Missing Intestine, rhe doctors noted instances of bias during the panel’s proceedings, including an apparent attempt to simplify the private hospital’s responses while allowing the government hospital’s doctor to provide a detailed account. They also criticized the panel for trying to get the government hospital’s doctor to assess the actions of the private hospital’s doctor, which they viewed as a conflict of interest.
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ANPMP highlighted the need for thorough investigation by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the body legally empowered to investigate such medical cases. They emphasized the importance of professionalism in reporting and conducting investigations, condemning any misrepresentation of nurses and the nursing profession.
The association expressed condolences to the family of the deceased child and vowed to closely monitor the unfolding events to prevent what they perceive as an unjustified vilification of private medical practice.
The doctors sought to clarify facts surrounding the case based on scientific evidence. They explained that the patient underwent multiple surgeries at different facilities and disputed the notion of a “missing intestine” given the patient’s survival without it during the nearly 28 days of admission at a public facility.
The doctors questioned how the patient could have survived for almost a month without an intestine and referred to ultrasound scans and X-rays conducted during the patient’s admission, which indicated the presence of normal intestinal movement.
In summary, ANPMP in Lagos has challenged the findings and reactions related to this medical case, calling for a thorough, professional investigation and expressing concern over public misconceptions.
