Power Outage, Fuel Shortage During Surgery Claims Woman’s Life At Minna Hospital

 A tragic incident at Jummai Babangida Aliyu General Hospital in Minna, Niger State, has brought to light critical deficiencies in Nigeria's healthcare infrastructure. A woman, identified as Ummi Yusuf Maksudi, lost her life during a surgical procedure due to a power outage and subsequent generator failure. Her husband, Shehu Danjuma Umar, recounted the harrowing experience on social media, highlighting the dire consequences of inadequate emergency preparedness in medical facilities. 

The Incident

On the day of the surgery, approximately 35 minutes into the procedure, the hospital experienced a power outage. Compounding the issue, the backup generator designated for the operating theatre lacked fuel. Efforts to procure fuel and restart the generator were unsuccessful, necessitating the involvement of a mechanic who had to source spare parts from another area in Minna.

During this period, medical staff reportedly continued the operation using alternative lighting sources, such as lamps or flashlights. Despite their efforts, the surgery, initially expected to last 90 minutes, extended over several hours. By the time power was restored, it was too late to save Ummi Yusuf Maksudi.

Broader Implications

This incident underscores systemic challenges within Nigeria's healthcare system, particularly concerning reliable power supply and emergency preparedness. The reliance on unstable public electricity and the absence of functional backup systems in critical care settings pose significant risks to patient safety.

Calls for Reform

The tragic outcome has sparked discussions among healthcare professionals and the public about the urgent need for infrastructural improvements. Ensuring that hospitals are equipped with reliable power sources and contingency plans is essential to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Conclusion

The loss of Ummi Yusuf Maksudi highlights the critical importance of addressing infrastructural deficiencies in healthcare facilities. Comprehensive reforms and investments are necessary to enhance the resilience and reliability of medical services, thereby safeguarding patient lives.