In a distressing incident that has raised serious concerns about neonatal care in Ghana, a couple from Mallam Kokroko in the Weija Gbawe Municipality has accused health workers at Akawe Government Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of allegedly stealing their newborn triplets. This case has sparked outrage and demands for thorough investigation, as the grieving parents seek answers amidst their profound loss.
Hilda Ninson, the mother of the triplets, recounted the harrowing experience that began when she gave birth to her preterm babies at Akawe Government Hospital on August 3, 2024. Due to a critical shortage of incubators at the facility, hospital staff, led by a nurse identified as Auntie Mercy, arranged for the transfer of the triplets to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital the following day.
The situation took a tragic turn when Hilda's husband was sent to procure necessary medications shortly after their arrival at Korle-Bu. Upon his return, he was informed that one of the babies had died. However, he expressed deep concern that the body presented to him appeared different from the other two surviving infants. The couple's ordeal continued as they were informed later that a second baby had also passed away, followed by a disheartening call from the NICU on August 5, 2024, informing them of the death of the third triplet.
In a deeply troubling revelation, Hilda has voiced her suspicion that medical staff at Korle-Bu may have taken her babies. She recalled a conversation with a Social Welfare worker at Akawe Hospital who suggested she consider giving one of the babies away. Additionally, her husband, Patrick Gyasi, reported overhearing Auntie Mercy discussing the potential sale of the infants due to the couple's financial struggles.
Patrick is now advocating for justice, asserting that the bodies shown to him appeared significantly older than his newborn triplets. This alarming claim raises critical questions about the integrity of medical practices and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
In response to these allegations, Adom News reached out to the management of Akawe Government Hospital. Officials confirmed that Hilda indeed gave birth at their facility and acknowledged the transfer of the triplets to Korle-Bu due to a lack of incubators. However, they stated that they were unaware of subsequent events at Korle-Bu and could not provide further comment.
Dr. David Kwabena Okoh, Medical Director of Weija-Gbawe Municipal Hospital, also confirmed the referral of the triplets but refrained from commenting on the developments that followed.
The couple's demand for answers and an investigation into this matter is both justified and urgent. The allegations of foul play in the deaths of their triplets cannot be taken lightly and warrant immediate attention from health authorities.
As Adom News continues to seek responses from Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital's management regarding this sensitive issue, it is imperative that all stakeholders involved uphold transparency and accountability. The well-being of patients, particularly vulnerable newborns, must be prioritized to restore public trust in Ghana's healthcare system.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the crucial need for proper protocols and ethical standards in neonatal care. The couple’s heart-wrenching experience underscores the importance of vigilance and advocacy within healthcare settings to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
-source Adomonline | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
