MOH orders investigation into amputation of children's limbs

The Ministry of Health has asked the Northern Regional Health Directorate to investigate the circumstances under which two children lost their limbs as a result of alleged negligence in the administration of intravenous infusion.

In a letter dated February 11, 2014 addressed to the health directorate, Ms Sherry Ayittey, requested an investigation with detailed information to facilitate an accurate outcome to solve the issues and other related ones.

Background

The action followed a February 11, 2014 Daily Graphic publication which said two children, a 10-month-old baby, Mohammed Hafiz, and two-and-half-year-old Prosper Nsumba had had their left and right arms, respectively amputated due to alleged negligence in the administration of intravenous infusion to them.

The incidents occurred separately at a private clinic in Tamale and the Bimbilla Hospital in the Nanumba South District in the Northern Region.

While Hafiz was sent to the clinic for diarrhoea and vomiting in December 2013, Nsumba was rushed to the Bimbilla Hospital following relentless dysentery and vomiting in March 2012.

Guardians of both victims subsequently made complaints to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to seek redress due to the alleged abuse of the children’s rights.

CHRAJ

In a similar letter to the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ms Ayittey requested for more information on the issues.