The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has dismissed allegations of neglect at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, following the circulation of a viral video. The clarification came through the Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Abraham Inyangudo, who revealed that an investigation ordered by the Commissioner for Health found the allegations to be false and misleading.
The video, posted by one Ms. Idongesit Edet, alleged that her mother was abandoned at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit. However, findings showed that Ms. Edet had forcefully entered a consulting room without consent and attempted to record a doctor who declined permission. In the process, she exposed the identities of her mother and other patients, breaching medical confidentiality. Records confirmed that her mother was first attended to at 7:45 a.m. and received multiple reviews by doctors and nurses until 11:45 p.m. the same day.
The Ministry emphasized that the patient was never in clinical danger and continued to receive professional care despite the disruption. It condemned the unauthorized recording and its publication online, describing it as a violation of patients’ rights. Ms. Edet’s family has since apologized for the embarrassment caused by exposing their mother’s medical details. A formal complaint has been lodged with the police, while the Ministry of Justice considers legal action to safeguard the hospital’s reputation.
Citing Section 11 of the National Health Act, the Ministry reiterated that healthcare providers may refuse treatment in cases of abuse, except where psychiatric conditions are involved. As a preventive measure, it directed all state-owned hospitals to display complaint helplines within 72 hours and urged the public to channel grievances through official mechanisms. It warned that hospitals would not serve as stages for “social media drama,” and anyone assaulting health workers or violating patient rights would face psychiatric evaluation before possible prosecution.
