The Management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of a 28-year-old pregnant woman, Mrs. Uche-Chukwudokwe Amarachi, whose death recently generated reactions on social media.
The hospital, in a statement issued on Saturday through its Public Relations Office, dismissed some of the claims circulating online as misleading, stressing that the deceased did not present at the hospital simply for the treatment of “cold and catarrh”, as alleged in some social media posts.
According to the hospital, Amarachi was brought to COOUTH after she had initially received treatment at a private hospital for generalized body swelling and difficulty in breathing.
Following further medical examinations at COOUTH, the hospital said several serious abnormalities were discovered, including severe anaemia, with a packed cell volume of 20 per cent, proteinuria of 3+, haematuria of 3+, and pleural effusion.
Based on the clinical findings, the hospital said she was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney-related condition that posed significant risks to both the mother and her unborn child.
COOUTH explained that, following a multidisciplinary assessment of her condition, the patient’s husband was counselled on the need to terminate the pregnancy as part of efforts to preserve her life.
The hospital, however, said both the patient and her husband initially declined the recommendation.
The woman was subsequently transfused with three units of blood, which improved her blood level, while other aspects of her treatment continued under the supervision of a multidisciplinary medical team.
Despite the interventions, the hospital said her condition later deteriorated and she eventually became unconscious.
According to COOUTH, it was at that stage that her husband gave consent for the termination of the pregnancy, which had earlier been recommended by the medical team.
The hospital said preparations for the procedure commenced immediately, but Amarachi unfortunately died later that same day before the termination could be carried out.
COOUTH maintained that her death was associated with the progression of her underlying severe medical condition and not the minor ailment portrayed in some social media reports.
The clarification followed social media posts alleging that the woman, who was reportedly about 14 weeks pregnant, had visited the hospital for treatment of a minor ailment but subsequently died alongside her unborn child.
One of the posts questioned how a woman who allegedly walked into the hospital for “minor treatment” could end up dead and called on the hospital management to explain the circumstances surrounding her death.
In its response, COOUTH urged members of the public to avoid circulating unverified information that could create unnecessary anxiety or damage the reputation of healthcare professionals and institutions.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to ethical and evidence-based medical practice, quality healthcare delivery and the protection of patient confidentiality.
COOUTH also expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, extending its condolences and praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.
Investigations by this reporter, Izunna Okafor, indicate that Amarachi died on March 28, 2026, at the age of 28, after battling for her life at COOUTH, Amaku, Awka.
The deceased, who hailed from Ubarunusionye Village in Nando, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, was reportedly buried on April 15, 2026, at her husband’s compound.
Months after her burial, questions and speculations surrounding the circumstances of her death began circulating across various social media platforms, prompting the hospital’s clarification.
