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BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into allegations of medical negligence after a 19-month-old child reportedly contracted the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) following a blood transfusion at a private hospital in Benin City.
Investigations by our Correspondent revealed that detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Command Headquarters in Benin City have interrogated some medical personnel of Safe Bliss Medical Centre, the facility accused of transfusing the baby with contaminated blood during treatment administered some months ago.
Findings also revealed that as part of the ongoing probe, the police have obtained oral and written statements from both the complainant, father of the child, and officials of the medical facility, including its Chief Medical Director.
It was gathered that the police investigation followed alleged non-cooperation from the hospital management during a mediation process initiated by the Edo State Ministry of Justice after the child’s father formally petitioned against the medical centre.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer for Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed that the Command is investigating the alleged transmission of HIV to a 19-month-old boy by a Benin-based private hospital.
It was also gathered that the probe is believed to be a joint effort, as the hospital had earlier been sealed by the Edo State Ministry of Health following an exclusive report of the incident by Alltimepost.com.
The Commissioner for Health, Edo State Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole confirmed that he ordered the immediate closure of Safe Bliss Medical Centre on 32, Ist Akugbe Lane, off Siluko Road, Oliha Quarters, Benin City after preliminary findings revealed that it was operating illegally.
However, as at press time, Dr. Oshiomhole had not provided an update on the status of the ministry’s independent probe since last June.
It would be recalled that the incident started when the baby’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Praise Mumbor, rushed their son, Jeremiah Mumbor to the facility after he developed a high fever as the attending doctor diagnosed a dangerously low Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of 15 and recommended an emergency blood transfusion.
But the treatment did not end the couple’s nightmare, months later, the child fell ill again and was rushed to the same hospital where he was readmitted and made to undergo another round of blood transfusion.
However, when baby Jeremiah’s condition failed to improve the hospital advised his parents to take him to a government-owned hospital.
Mr. Praise Mumbor went to Edo Specialist Hospital where after routine medical checks and multiple screenings across different accredited laboratories, the young couple received the devastating news that baby Jeremiah had tested positive for HIV.
Subsequent laboratory screenings confirmed that both parents are HIV-negative, prompting current official investigations to unravel the actual source of infection.
A dependable source informed our Correspondent that the baby was discharged from hospital last week after he was rushed following a high fever event as concerned authorities are yet to see the child for any medical assistance.
Meanwhile, Dr. Adesotu Humphrey of Safe Bliss Medical Centre had said all clinical protocols required for blood transfusion were painstakingly observed before the transfusions were performed on the baby.
Dr. Adesotu also stated that the child tested negative for HIV in the facility before the blood transfusions as Safe Bliss Medical Centre gets its blood from a blood bank.
