Credit: Punch
A grieving sibling has accused a Lagos-based medical facility, OAR Medical Centre, of negligence following the death of her sister, Blessing Okolie, after a fibroid surgery.
Speaking in an emotional account, the deceased’s sister told The Punch that a pair of scissors was mistakenly left inside Okolie’s body during the procedure, leading to complications that ultimately claimed her life.
According to her, Blessing Okolie, 44, underwent a myomectomy on March 28, 2026, after opting for the private hospital despite initial reservations from family members about the facility’s standard.
She claimed that shortly after the surgery, her sister began experiencing severe abdominal pain and swelling, repeatedly calling for further medical checks. However, she alleged that her concerns were dismissed by the attending doctor.
It was not until nearly a week later, after persistent pressure, that a scan was conducted at another facility, which reportedly revealed a metallic object lodged in her abdomen.
“They said nothing was wrong, but the scan showed a metal object inside her stomach,” she recounted.
Following the discovery, a second surgery was carried out at the same hospital to remove the object. Despite this, Okolie’s condition reportedly deteriorated further, with signs of infection and internal complications.
The situation worsened when the family attempted to transfer her to a better-equipped facility. The sister alleged delays, lack of emergency support, and even a power outage without backup fuel during a critical moment.
Blessing Okolie was eventually taken to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where she later died despite efforts to stabilise her.
The family claims they spent over N2 million on surgeries, medications, and tests during the course of treatment.
Reacting to the allegations, the Medical Director of OAR Medical Centre confirmed that the patient developed post-surgical complications, including sepsis, but declined to confirm whether any surgical instrument was left inside her.
He emphasised that a coroner’s inquest and autopsy—being conducted at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital—would determine the exact cause of death.
“We should wait for the histopathology report. That will provide the most accurate cause of death,” he said.
The case has since been reported to the police, while the bereaved family is calling for a full investigation and possible closure of the hospital to prevent similar incidents.
Authorities are yet to release official findings as of the time of this report.
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