The Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HEFRA) has issued an urgent investigation into the death of 27-year-old nursing mother, Elizabeth Poku, at the Nsawkaw Government Hospital, following allegations of oxygen deficiency and potential medical negligence.
The development comes as the deceased’s husband, Isaac Poku, revealed that his wife was rushed to the hospital while experiencing an asthma attack, and that oxygen was not immediately available. According to Mr. Poku, Elizabeth was still breathing when they arrived, but she later died, allegedly due to a lack of prompt oxygen administration.
HEFRA’s Public Relations Officer, Christabel Nuhuhu, stated that no health facility in the country is expected to operate without oxygen, particularly for managing critical and emergency cases. This directive underscores HEFRA’s commitment to safeguarding patient lives and ensuring the availability of critical medical resources.
The incident follows allegations that the deceased’s death was likely caused by an oxygen deficiency, a situation that prompted the regulatory agency to launch a formal investigation. Mr. Poku vehemently refuted claims that his wife had died before reaching the hospital, insisting that she could have survived if oxygen had been administered promptly.
However, the Medical Superintendent of the Nsawkaw Government Hospital, Dr. Taa-Amoako, has disputed the family’s account, asserting that the hospital’s oxygen plant was not functioning and that oxygen was available for emergency cases.
Dr. Taa-Amoako explained that the available oxygen was intended to stabilize critical patients before they were referred to the appropriate facility in Sunyani. He further clarified that the hospital’s oxygen plant was configured for emergency treatment, prioritizing stabilization of patients requiring immediate medical attention.
HEFRA has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, aiming to identify any potential lapses in protocol and ensure that all health facilities across the country have adequate oxygen supplies and essential equipment necessary for managing critical and emergency cases. The investigation will also focus on establishing accountability and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The investigation is expected to be led by a dedicated team of investigators and medical experts, with HEFRA emphasizing the importance of maintaining stringent standards of patient care and operational safety within the healthcare system. The immediate priority is to determine the precise circumstances surrounding Elizabeth Poku’s death and to ensure that all relevant protocols are rigorously reviewed and strengthened.
The incident has triggered concerns within the medical community and raised questions about the adequacy of oxygen management practices within the Nsawkaw region, highlighting the critical need for improved oversight and monitoring of critical medical resources.
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Source: Adom Online
