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  • They left my lifeless mother outside – Zicsaloma shares bitter experience with LUTH

    They left my lifeless mother outside – Zicsaloma shares bitter experience with LUTH

    Nigerian skitmaker Aloma Isaac, known as Zicsaloma, has taken to social media to call out the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for alleged neglect and unprofessionalism.

    TheNewsGuru reports that Zicsaloma, via an Instagram page on Friday, April 18, 2025, recounted the inhumane treatment meted out to his mother, who’s battling cancer.

    Speaking in the video, the comedian described the medical system in Nigeria as terrible, claiming that his mother was denied entry into LUTH by hospital security personnel and a doctor despite her critical condition.

    According to Zicsaloma, he brought his mother to the hospital for treatment, but she was turned away and directed to a test centre for further diagnostics.

    He further claimed that, despite undergoing the required tests, his mother was still denied entry.

    Calling on the government, the skitmaker urged a thorough investigation into the operations at LUTH, emphasizing that this experience highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

    He said, “Our medical system is terrible. My mom, who is undergoing chemotherapy and is at the point of death, was refused entry into LUTH. We rushed her from the Island to the hospital on Okin Road, where we were told to return to LUTH because that’s where she had her initial chemotherapy. They warned us she might not make it if we didn’t act fast.

    “They locked my mom, my sister, and a friend I sent to assist them outside the gate. The security guard said they couldn’t let her in until her test results were out, which would take three hours. They claimed only a doctor could grant access, but when a doctor eventually arrived, he refused to speak to me over the phone and told my sister he wouldn’t examine my mom until the results were ready.

    “We begged the doctor to at least look at her, but he walked away. My mom is a skeletal version of herself. Someone who’s already lifeless was just left outside like that. Where is the humanity?

    “The government needs to look into that hospital. This is not just about my mother—it’s about the lives of many Nigerians who may not have a voice.” 

  • BREAKING: LUTH announces breakthrough cure for sickle cell disease

    BREAKING: LUTH announces breakthrough cure for sickle cell disease

    The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), in partnership with Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), has establish a high-quality, safe bone marrow transplant programme that meets international standards for the cure of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.

    This is contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo and National Director, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr Annette Akinsete, on Sunday in Lagos.

    It said that Nigeria had the most significant burden of sickle cell disease worldwide, saying that Individuals affected with the disease suffer life-threatening complications from early childhood, serious damage to their organs and reduced life expectancy.

    “The establishment of comprehensive care programmes, including newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, and Transcranial Doppler screening in children to identify those at risk of stroke.

    “This is followed by chronic blood transfusion therapy and the increasing use of hydroxyurea therapy, has improved the proportion of children surviving into adulthood.

    “But,  has not improved the proportion of adults living to older age, especially for the most severely affected.

    “Bone marrow transplant using a donor from a family member is an established cure for this disease,” the statement said.

    According to the statement , bone marrow transplant is associated with known complications such as infection and graft-versus-host disease (when donor cells can attack the patient), infertility, and even death.

    It explained that this procedure has been much improved over the last 20 years to ensure good outcomes and limit complications.

    “Bone marrow transplant is now an approved therapy for children and adults with severe sickle cell disease. Bone marrow transplant is a complex procedure requiring a multidisciplinary team approach and involves treatment and close follow-up for approximately 12 months,” it said.

    The statement said that the complexity and costs have severely limited those who can obtain this treatment, and most have sought the treatment outside Nigeria, which causes severe hardship for patients and families.

    It said: “Recognising the gaps in care for individuals affected by the disease in Nigeria, SCFN and LUTH established a bone marrow transplant programme at LUTH.

    “In preparation for a locally adapted and cost-effective bone marrow transplant programme in Nigeria, a post-transplant clinic was initially established in 2019, a first in sub-Saharan Africa, to provide post-transplant care to patients who had travelled to other countries for bone marrow or stem cell transplants”.

    According to the  statement, LUTH/SCFN bone marrow transplant programme consists of a high-level multidisciplinary team that includes paediatricians, adult haematologists, psychiatrists, anaesthesiologists, nurses, dieticians, pharmacists, and other ancillary health personnel.

    It added that the programme had been guided by the scientific expertise and leadership of Prof. Adetola Kassim of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, saying that, to further strengthen expertise in the program, Prof Josudela Fuente from the Imperial College London Healthcare NHS Trust UK joined the team in 2022.

    The statement said: “The first set of patients are currently undergoing bone marrow transplants at LUTH and were admitted in the last week of August 2024.

    “They received a treatment regimen of exchange blood transfusions, chemotherapy and anti-infective prophylaxis to prepare them for the infusion of bone marrow stem cells that were harvested from family donors, processed and given Sept. 17 and Sept. 19, 2024.

    “Both patients are currently undergoing immediate post-transplant care within the transplant unit at LUTH.

    “We want to express our appreciation to patients and families, the Management of LUTH and SCFN; board of directors, Lagos State Government, Chevron, collaborative and technical partners, and other dedicated staff who worked around the clock to ensure success of this programme”.

  • LUTH reacts after successful surgery on 13-day-old baby

    LUTH reacts after successful surgery on 13-day-old baby

    The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), on Tuesday said the hospital had recorded a milestone with its first minimal access surgery on a 13-day old baby girl at the hospital.

    Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of LUTH, said at a media briefing in Lagos, that the surgery was the first of its kind in any public hospital in the country.

    Adeyemo said the thoracoscopic primary repair of the Esophageal Atresia and Tracheosophageal fistula was successfully carried out on the baby by a team of experts at the hospital.

    Esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) are rare conditions that develop before birth.

    Both life threatening conditions occur together and affect the development of the esophagus (food pipe), and should be treated shortly after birth.

    According to him, the surgery was made possible due to the increased funding by the Federal Government, the Health Ministry and public, private partnership.

    “This minimal access surgery has further showcased the effort of the Federal Government through LUTH to ensure Nigerians have access to affordable and quality healthcare.

    “This surgery is the first of its kind in any tertiary institution in Nigeria with the use of thoracoscopic equipment.

    “We have the expertise here in Luth and surgeries like this are highly subsided by the Federal Government for Nigerians to benefit and get the healthcare they need in the country without traveling abroad.

    “I want to also commend Dr Igwe of Evercare Specialist Hospital for his willingness to share his expertise and experience with our surgeons,” he said.

    Speaking also, Dr Felix Alakaloko, a paediatric Consultant who led the surgery, said the success of the procedure was a major feat for the institution.

    Alakaloko said the baby that was 13 days old when operated on was doing fine and would be discharged on March 6.

    He noted that such surgeries cost between N6 million and N15 million in private hospitals or outside the country, compared to N300,000 charged at LUTH.

    “This baby was brought to LUTH when she was nine days old with a blocked Esophagus, (that is the pipe that carries food to the stomach) and needed urgent surgery.

    “The baby was choking on feeding and bringing out mucus from the nose and mouth which indicated that there was a blockage in the tube that connects food to the stomach.

    “So, we reconnected the tube through a minimal access surgery instead of doing an open surgery that could endanger the life of the child,” he said.

    He urged parents to observe their newborn babies to detect any abnormalities and present them on time.

    Mrs Adeyinka Shola, the mother of the baby, commended LUTH for the life-saving surgery performed on her daughter.

    Shola said her baby, who turned 24 days old on Tuesday, was doing fine and ready to go home.

    “I’m indebted and grateful to LUTH for saving the life of my baby girl, I noticed she was not doing fine four hours after I gave birth to her.

    “We were referred to LUTH for further investigation on her health, and I am happy that she has improved tremendously after the surgery.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu approves immediate upgrade of LUTH, JUTH, others

    BREAKING: Tinubu approves immediate upgrade of LUTH, JUTH, others

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones including Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

    The upgrade of the key health infrastructure in the country was disclosed in a statement issued by the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday.

    It reads: Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geopolitical zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.

    The following teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres per facility as part of President Tinubu’s bid to ensure that world-class cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country:

    (1) University of Benin Teaching Hospital

    (2) Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital

    (3) University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital

    (4) Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina

    (5) University of Jos Teaching Hospital

    (6) Lagos University Teaching Hospital

    The following ten critical healthcare service expansion projects across the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization will be carried out in ten hospitals across all geo-political zones:

    (1) North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology)

    (2) South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical & radiation oncology)

    (3) North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

    (4) South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

    (5) South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (6) North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (7) South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (8) North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (9) North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    (10) North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

    These critical projects, set to be delivered within 12-18 months, will improve screening and diagnostics for communicable and non-communicable diseases; reduce mortality rates and improve outcomes for non-communicable diseases; create considerable employment opportunities for clinical, administrative, and managerial personnel across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, all while building the capacity of clinical personnel in advanced procedures, diagnostics and treatment modalities, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

  • LUTH Week: CMD assures staff of FG’s commendation

    LUTH Week: CMD assures staff of FG’s commendation

    Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, has assured members of staff that the Federal Government was aware of their dedication to work and service.

    Adeyemo gave the assurance on Friday during the grand finale of the LUTH Week 2023 with the theme: “Leadership and Visioning for Future”.

    The CMD said that the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, openly acknowledged all members of staff on behalf of the Minister of Health, when he visited the hospital on Thursday.

    “The Minister is aware of what the members of staff have contributed and what they are contributing currently.

    “This yearly programme is to celebrate, have direct contact with members of staff, share in the visions of the government and let the members of staff know that government has not forgotten them,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Head of Nursing Department, LUTH, Mrs Olajumoke Akinola, said that the LUTH Week was an avenue to celebrate different cultures in Nigeria, alongside every member of staff.

    “You have worked hard, rendered services to humanity and one day will not be too much to celebrate, encourage and motivate all of you/us.”

    She encouraged all members of staff to serve humanity with humility, as well as doe more to uphold the goals of the institution.

    The Head of Administration, LUTH, Dr Babajide Grillo, said that the theme for the LUTH Week hinged on right leadership because “when you have the right leadership, your team will do well”.

    According to Grillo, who was represented by the Head, Corporate Services, LUTH, Ms Omolola Fakeye, a leader provides the roadmap, guidance and leads the way while others follow.

    He said that when the right leadership was in place, the followers knew the direction to go.

    “A leader makes all to fulfil the visions and objectives of an organisation,” he said.

  • Disaster averted, 3 miraculously escape death as petrol tanker falls in Lagos

    Disaster averted, 3 miraculously escape death as petrol tanker falls in Lagos

    Emergency responders have rescued three persons trapped in a car when a truck carrying 45,000 litres of fuel crashed off the bridge opposite the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    The Territorial Coordinator, the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Farinloye said the accident led to a build up of traffic.

    He explained that the incident happened when a ConOil truck which took off from Apapa heading to discharge its product at Ikeja tried to apply breaks.

    According to him, the driver lost control of the vehicle and fell, trapping the car with three occupants.

    Farinloye, however, said the three occupants of the vehicle were rescued alive successfully.

    “The spillage have been blanketed to render the product ineffective.

    “The driver have contacted the owner of the truck to bring up another truck to transload the remaining product to a 45,000 litres truck,” Farinloye said.

    He said the impact affected two more persons who were injured during the process.

    “The two people include a pregnant woman and a motorcycle rider,” he said.

    He said the woman was admitted at Randle Hospital , Surulere, while the motorcycle rider, who sustained serious injuries, was admitted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

    Farinloye said that the federal and state fire services are on ground blanketing the spilled products that flowed into the drainage.

  • Reps to investigate death of medical doctor on duty in LUTH

    Reps to investigate death of medical doctor on duty in LUTH

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the death of Dr. Michael Umoh, a personnel at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) who died on duty.

    The resolution was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Adedayo Adesola (APC-Lagos state) at plenary on Tuesday.

    Moving the motion, Adesola said that the importance of medical personnel as the fulcrum of the healthcare delivery system could not be overemphasised.

    He recalled that on Sept. 17, Umoh, a medical officer on a residency programme in the LUTH reportedly died after spending 72 hours on duty in the Neurosurgery unit of the institution.

    According to him, there is a recent related incident of a young female medical doctor who lost her life due to elevator failure in a general hospital, which could have been avoided with improved working conditions.

    “There have been several other reports of medical personnel dying as a result of harsh working conditions and other forms of negligence, thus robbing the country of her best brains;

    “Such cases have reinforced the agitation of National Association of Resident Doctors, Nigeria Medical Association and other associated bodies for improved conditions of service.

    “This is seen in the recent industrial strike embarked upon by Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to press home their demands,” he said.

    In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu mandated the Committees on Health Institutions and Labour and Employment Institutions to carry out the investigation and report back within six weeks.

    He said that the aim was to ensure that medical personnel in Nigeria work under favourable conditions.

    The house observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased doctors.

  • Michael Umoh: LUTH breaks silence on death of House Officer

    Michael Umoh: LUTH breaks silence on death of House Officer

    The management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, has denied allegations that one of its house officers, Dr Michael Umoh, died after a 72-hour call.

    This is contained in a statement issued by LUTH management team in Lagos on Thursday.

    “LUTH management understands the fact that the family of Dr Umoh is presently mourning the death of their beloved son and requested the foreclosure of any media engagement regarding the death of their son.

    “It is important for us as a management to make clarifications regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

    “Dr Umoh died on Sept 17 while in church with his parents. The management was informed, and the death was later confirmed by one of the Consultants in his unit (Neurosurgery).

    “The death of Dr Umoh is unfortunate but the narrative of a 72 hours non-stop shift is false.

    “The record from Neurosurgery unit shows that the last time he was on call was 13th and 14th September, 2023.

    “He was not on call on the 15th, 16th and 17th (the day he died), contrary to the insinuations on social media. He was at home with his parents on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17,” the management said.

    Prior to this time, the management said, he was on call on the Sept. 7 and Sept. 8.

    ”This shows that Dr Umoh was on call for a total number of four days in September, 2023.

    “A delegation from LUTH visited the family on Wednesday to commiserate with the family and to get more details of the circumstances surrounding his death.

    “The parents gave the details of what they thought must have contributed to his death but pleaded that the wish of the family be respected and that the narrative is not for public consumption,” it said.

    The management described Dr Umoh as a hardworking and diligent house-officer, and a very promising young man.

    It said he will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues.

    “May his soul rest in peace, and may the Almighty give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” LUTH said.

  • LUTH denies late doctor worked 72-hour call duty

    LUTH denies late doctor worked 72-hour call duty

    The management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, has denied allegations that one of its house officers, Dr Michael Umoh, died after a 72-hour call.

    This is contained in a statement issued by LUTH management team in Lagos on Thursday.

    “LUTH management understands the fact that the family of Dr Umoh is presently mourning the death of their beloved son and requested the foreclosure of any media engagement regarding the death of their son. It is important for us as a management to make clarifications regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.

    “Dr Umoh died on Sept 17 while in church with his parents. The management was informed, and the death was later confirmed by one of the Consultants in his unit (Neurosurgery).

    “The death of Dr Umoh is unfortunate but the narrative of a 72 hours non-stop shift is false.

    “The record from Neurosurgery unit shows that the last time he was on call was 13th and 14th September, 2023.

    “He was not on call on the 15th, 16th and 17th (the day he died), contrary to the insinuations on social media. He was at home with his parents on Sept. 16 and Sept. 17,” the management said.

    Prior to this time, the management said, he was on call on the Sept. 7 and Sept. 8.

    ”This shows that Dr Umoh was on call for a total number of four days in September, 2023.

    “A delegation from LUTH visited the family on Wednesday to commiserate with the family and to get more details of the circumstances surrounding his death.

    “The parents gave the details of what they thought must have contributed to his death but pleaded that the wish of the family be respected and that the narrative is not for public consumption,” it said.

    The management described Dr Umoh as a hardworking and diligent house-officer, and a very promising young man.

    It said he will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues.

    “May his soul rest in peace, and may the Almighty give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss” LUTH said.

  • Chris Mba, Veteran musician, is dead

    Chris Mba, Veteran musician, is dead

    Popular veteran Nigerian pop musician, Chris Mba has given up the ghost.

    Mba who suffered heart disease for a lengthy period of time died yesterday in Lagos state.

    The Abia State-born artiste died on Wednesday at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

    Confirming his death on Thursday, Michael Odiong, the General Manager of Premier Music, in a post, said the musician died on Wednesday night of heart-related disease.

    Recall that a journalist, Azuka Jebose, had in 2019, in a Facebook post, disclosed that the singer sent him a distress message on Whatsapp seeking urgent financial assistance to pay for his hospital treatment at LUTH.

    He quoted him saying, “Jebose this is a serious health challenge for me. Please, my brother help me. We buy drugs and the hospital bed costs N50,000 daily.”

    Chris Mba was famous in the 80s for his signature Jerry curl and hits like ‘Funky Situation’, ‘Love Everlasting’, ‘Baby Don’t Cry’ and ‘Making my way’.

    He also performed at an evening of tributes organised for the late Ras Kimono by the Copyright Society of Nigeria in August 2018.

    In 2019, the Abia State-born artiste who was a member of the PMAN Caretaker Committee and COSON solicited funds to help pay for his hospital treatment.