Akwa Ibom Health Ministry Clears Air on Viral Video at Ikot Ekpene Hospital

Akwa Ibom Health Ministry Clears Air on Viral Video at Ikot Ekpene Hospital

The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, through the Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Abraham Inyangudo, has debunked allegations of patient neglect at the General Hospital, Ikot Ekpene, following a viral video that surfaced on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

The video, released by one Ms. Idongesit Edet, alleged that her mother was abandoned at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit. But an investigation ordered by the Commissioner for Health and carried out by the Director of Medical Services found the claims to be false and misleading.

Hospital records revealed that Ms. Edet barged into a consulting room without permission, attempted to record a doctor who declined consent, and in the process exposed the identities of her mother and other patients.

The records also showed her mother was first attended to at 7:45 a.m. and had multiple reviews by doctors and nurses up until 11:45 p.m. the same day.

“The patient was never in immediate clinical danger, and staff continued to provide professional care despite the disruption,” the Ministry stated.

The Ministry condemned the unauthorized recording and its online publication, describing it as a breach of patients’ rights and privacy. It disclosed that Ms. Edet’s family has since apologized, expressing embarrassment over the exposure of their mother’s medical condition.

A formal complaint has been lodged with the Nigerian Police, while the Ministry of Justice is considering legal action to safeguard the hospital’s reputation.

Citing Section 11 of the National Health Act, the Ministry stressed that healthcare providers are protected under the law and may refuse treatment in cases of abuse, except where linked to psychiatric illness.

As part of preventive measures, the Ministry directed that:
All government hospitals must display public complaint helplines within 72 hours.

Complaints should be routed through official channels, including the Health Ombudsman.

Hospitals will not be allowed to serve as platforms for “social media drama.”
Anyone who assaults health workers or violates patient rights will undergo psychiatric evaluation and, if fit, face prosecution.