The authorities of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, has commenced investigation into what led to the death of Nkechi Precious, a 200 Level Student of the University of Port Harcourt.
Precious was said to have died as a result of negligence on the part of some staff of the Hospital, an incident that sparked wild protest by the students’ union.
The students blocked the East-west road in a massive protest, calling on the management of the university to redefine the relationship between the hospital and the institution.
Addressing the media on the position of UPTH, the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Prof. Aaron Ojule said the authorities were looking into the circumstances that led to the death of the student.
Prof. Ojule said any staff found culpable will be punished according to the extant Laws of the civil service.
He called on the students to remain calm while investigations were still ongoing, adding that the action of the students had caused apprehension in the hospital. The CMD said many staff had refused to return to work for fear of possible attack by students.
“I wish to state that the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident is currently being investigated and where any staff is found culpable as it is being alleged, adequate punishment will be meted out.
“We have noted the allegations levelled against our staff and the management of the hospital, which may not be entirely true.
“We wish to state that we have operating standard procedures in our hospital and we will examine the circumstances of the death against this background,” he said.
The CMD commiserated with the family of the deceased, the student community and the authority of the University of Port Harcourt. .
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