The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku-Awka, has dismissed as misleading reports circulating on social media concerning the death of Mrs. Uche-Chukwudokwe Amarachi.
The hospital, in a statement issued through its Public Relations Office, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and said it shared in their grief over the loss.
COOUTH reaffirmed its commitment to ethical and evidence-based medical practice, quality healthcare delivery and adherence to the highest professional standards, while stressing the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality.
The management also urged members of the public and social media users to refrain from circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary anxiety or damaging the reputation of healthcare professionals and institutions.
According to the hospital, contrary to claims that Amarachi presented at the facility at 14 weeks of pregnancy with “cold and catarrh”, hospital records showed that she was brought to COOUTH after receiving treatment at a private hospital for generalized body swelling and difficulty in breathing.
The hospital said further investigations conducted after her admission revealed significant health complications, including severe anaemia, with a packed cell volume (PCV) of 20 per cent, proteinuria of 3+, haematuria of 3+, and pleural effusion.
Based on the clinical findings and investigations, COOUTH said the woman was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney condition associated with significant risks to both the mother and unborn child.
The hospital explained that following a comprehensive clinical assessment involving a multidisciplinary team, the patient’s husband was counselled on the need to terminate the pregnancy in order to preserve his wife’s life.
COOUTH, however, said both the patient and her husband declined the recommendation at the time.
The hospital said the woman was subsequently transfused with three units of blood, after which her blood level improved, while she continued to receive other treatments and care under the supervision of the multidisciplinary team.
However, according to the statement, her condition later deteriorated and she eventually became unconscious.
COOUTH said the husband subsequently gave consent for the termination of the pregnancy on the same day, following which the multidisciplinary team immediately commenced preparations for the procedure.
The hospital said the woman, unfortunately, died later that same day before the procedure could be carried out.
COOUTH maintained that the death was associated with the progression of the patient’s severe underlying medical condition, rather than the minor ailment allegedly portrayed in some social media reports.
The hospital further appealed to the public to rely on verified information, particularly in matters involving sensitive medical cases, and to avoid narratives that could create unnecessary public concern.
“Once again, COOUTH sends its deepest condolences to the bereaved and prays that God grants the soul of the deceased eternal rest,” the statement concluded.
