A patient, Mr. Ayoola Idowu, has accused the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan of medical negligence, claiming that improper use of a radiotherapy machine during treatment in April 2021 led to his complete blindness. The allegations were detailed in a petition addressed to UCH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Jesse Abiodun Owubanyo Oteghayo, by Citizens Rights International for Human Rights and Justice, a human rights organization led by Comrade Levite A. Akpan.
Mr. Idowu, who initially sought treatment for a neck growth at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, was referred to UCH for follow-up radiotherapy after a successful surgery. According to the petition, during his radiotherapy session on April 21, 2021, his eyes were not properly protected, leading to severe nerve damage and ultimately resulting in blindness.
Despite Mr. Idowu’s immediate concerns about his deteriorating vision, the hospital staff allegedly dismissed his complaints, attributing the issue to his previous surgery at FMC Owo. However, subsequent examinations at FMC, UCH, and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) confirmed that the blindness was caused by nerve damage, a claim supported by Citizens Rights International.
The organization has called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, disciplinary action against the responsible staff, compensation for Mr. Idowu, and the implementation of stricter safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. They are also demanding that UCH cover the cost of further eye treatments in hopes of restoring Mr. Idowu’s sight.
In response, UCH’s management has stated that an investigation into the allegations is ongoing, with findings to be communicated to the parties involved in due course. The hospital has expressed empathy for Mr. Idowu’s situation but has yet to accept responsibility for the incident.
