Hospital exonerates self on ex-gov's death in A'Ibom
By Christopher Tom
The ex-governor Akpan Isemin of Akwa Ibom State has been blamed for being the cause of his dead. This was made known to traditional rulers in the state by the Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Professor Emmanuel Ekanem.
At the Palace of the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, His Royal Majesty Edidem Edem, the Medical Director exonerated the hospital of any blame on the death of the former governor.
The former Governor was advised to have three sessions of diagnosis a week but he preferred to have two per week against medical advice, Prof. Ekanem said.
According to the Medical Consultant, the hospital had been managing the late former governor on renal diagnosis for quite sometimes before his demise. He was even advised to come on admission in the hospital but he refused.
On Monday, June 15, 2009, we expected him to come for diagnosis by afternoon but he was seen in the hospital. The head nurse of the unit called him on phone that they are waiting for him in the hospital for diagnosis. He replied, he was not feeling well. The nurse then explained to him that was the more reason he should come to the hospital, but he did not come, the medical director explained.
He stated further that when the ex-governor came on Thursday, June 16, 2009 he complained of weakness. However, the diagnosis was successfully carried out. But when asked to remain on admission for further examination on blood, sugar and electro graphic studies, the former governor always declined.
Prof. Ekanem said on the day he died, the hospital received a call that the health of Isemin is critical. “I waited in the hospital myself including other consultants and nurses to receive him. When he arrived I touched his body and could not feel any pulse”, he explained.
The explanation by the medical director has absolved the hospital of any blame on the death of the ex-governor. Ekanem explanation clarifies government feeling that the hospital management neglected its duty which led to the death of the ex-governor.
Government has asked the management to explain within 72-hour the cause of the former governor's death.
Stakeholders and family friends had earlier said from reliable source that the ex-governor is a man that does not respect protocol, even when he was in office. He might use the same attitude to follow-up medical direction which had caused his death.
