The University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, has firmly denied allegations circulating on social media that the hospital “gave out” the children of a deceased patient to unknown persons. The management described the viral report as false, misleading, and damaging, assuring the public that a detailed internal investigation is already underway to uncover the truth behind the claims.
The controversy erupted after a viral video surfaced online alleging that staff of UNTH handed over the children of a woman who died during surgery to strangers. The unsettling video triggered outrage among Nigerians, who called for accountability and an official response from the institution.
Background of the Incident
The deceased woman, identified as Chinyere Jennifer James, reportedly passed away during surgery at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. Following her death, unverified reports began circulating online claiming that her two children were “given away” by hospital staff without due process or family consent.
The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, raised ethical and legal questions regarding hospital protocols for managing cases involving deceased patients with dependents. Many Nigerians expressed deep concern over what they described as an inhumane act, demanding a response from hospital authorities and relevant government agencies.
UNTH’s Official Response
In a formal statement issued by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Boniface Uchelue, UNTH categorically refuted the claims. Uchelue clarified that at no time did the hospital give out or hand over any child belonging to a deceased patient to any individual or group.
According to the statement, the children in question were not registered under the hospital as patients or dependents. He further explained that a caregiver, who had been helping the late woman during her stay in the hospital, took the children out of sympathy following her death, not through any official arrangement with UNTH.
“The management of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital wishes to state categorically that it has no hand in the alleged giving away of the children of the late Chinyere Jennifer James. The hospital did not authorize, participate in, or have knowledge of any such act,” Uchelue emphasized.
Hospital Promises Investigation
Reacting further to the growing controversy, Professor Obinna Onudugo, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UNTH, described the allegations as “serious and disturbing.” He stated that the hospital’s management has initiated an internal probe to establish the circumstances surrounding both the death of the patient and the subsequent handling of her children.
The CMD assured the public that UNTH upholds strict ethical and professional standards in all patient-related matters, particularly when it involves minors and next-of-kin responsibilities. He also reaffirmed that any staff found guilty of misconduct, if proven, would face appropriate disciplinary action.
“We take this allegation seriously because it touches on human life and the integrity of our institution. A committee has been set up to investigate all aspects of the incident, and we shall make our findings public,” Professor Onudugo stated.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage
The viral video sparked a wave of anger and emotional reactions from Nigerians on various social media platforms. Many users called for an immediate investigation, while others demanded intervention from the Ministry of Health, Child Welfare Department, and human rights organizations.
Some Nigerians questioned how hospital staff could allegedly allow such a situation to unfold, while others cautioned against rushing to conclusions before verified information is released. The debate has since drawn attention to broader issues surrounding hospital ethics, patient care, and child protection laws in Nigeria.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Experts have noted that if the allegations were to be true, the act would constitute a serious violation of child rights and hospital regulations. Nigerian law provides that when a patient dies and leaves minors behind, the hospital is required to notify next of kin, the police, or relevant welfare authorities before any handover can be made.
Legal professionals also stressed that the Child’s Rights Act (2003) and related state laws impose strict penalties for unauthorized custody or transfer of children. However, with UNTH’s firm denial, the focus has now shifted to identifying how the misinformation originated and who circulated the false claims.
Key Clarifications from UNTH
| Claim | Hospital’s Clarification |
|---|---|
| UNTH gave out bereaved children to strangers | Completely false – no such act was authorized or carried out |
| Children were under hospital care | They were not registered as hospital patients |
| Hospital facilitated handover | A caregiver (acting independently) took them out of sympathy |
| Hospital silent over viral report | Official statement issued and investigation initiated |
What We Know So Far
- The late Chinyere Jennifer James died during surgery at UNTH.
- A viral video claimed the hospital “gave out” her children.
- UNTH denied the allegation, stating that no such act occurred.
- A caregiver reportedly took the children on her own.
- The hospital has launched a formal investigation into the matter.
- The public awaits the outcome of the probe and possible legal follow-up.
Broader Concerns on Hospital Responsibility
This incident has reignited discussion on hospital accountability and the protection of vulnerable patients’ families. Stakeholders are urging hospitals across Nigeria to strengthen their patient-care systems, especially in cases involving bereaved families and dependents.
Child welfare advocates have also called for a clearer collaboration between hospitals and state welfare departments, ensuring that children are never left in uncertain conditions after the death of a parent or guardian.
Conclusion
While the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital maintains its innocence in the alleged “child giveaway” case, the story serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of transparency, communication, and compassion in medical practice. The hospital’s decision to initiate a probe underscores its commitment to upholding integrity and public trust.
As Nigerians await the outcome of the investigation, the case highlights the urgent need for stricter policies governing patient-related child custody issues in hospitals nationwide. Whether this incident proves to be misinformation or a case of individual error, it will undoubtedly influence future hospital protocols and the safeguarding of vulnerable lives.
