Confusion as FMC Abeokuta issues wrong X-ray result to patient

In a troubling incident, a patient at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Abeokuta was issued an incorrect medical report, leading to confusion and frustration.

The patient, whose identity has been withheld, had visited the hospital on August 27th for a lumbosacral spine test due to severe lower back pain that had radiated to his right leg, significantly impairing his mobility.

Upon returning to the hospital on September 2nd to discuss the results with his doctor, the patient was shocked to learn that the doctor found no issues with his lower back.

Doubting the accuracy of the result, the patient, accompanied by his younger brother due to his limited mobility, decided to investigate further. He visited the hospital’s radiology department to request the film of the X-ray. However, the film provided had no accompanying report.

Determined to understand the situation, the patient then proceeded to the hospital’s Electronic Medical Records (EMR) unit, where he obtained a hard copy of the X-ray result to review at home. It was only after carefully examining the document that the patient realized a grave mistake had been made—the result, which bore his name, was an abdominal scan report, not the lumbosacral spine test he had undergone.

Frustrated by the mix-up, the patient attempted to contact FMC Abeokuta via phone due to the distance involved. Although the hospital acknowledged the error and requested his presence to resolve the issue, the patient’s attempts to send delegates to the hospital on his behalf were rejected twice.

Finally, on September 5th, the patient, despite being in considerable pain, made the journey to the hospital in person. He went directly to the human resources department, where, after considerable effort, he finally obtained the correct lumbosacral spine X-ray report.

This incident highlights significant concerns about the accuracy and reliability of medical records at FMC Abeokuta, raising questions about the procedures in place to ensure that patients receive the correct diagnoses and care. The patient’s ordeal underscores the need for better quality control and more responsive patient service at the facility.

This is not the first time the hospital has been in the spotlight for controversial reasons. In July 2020, a pregnant woman named Josephine Odufowora tragically lost her life along with her unborn twins under contentious circumstances at the hospital.

Reports indicate that Josephine died during a delayed delivery process, and her family alleged that the hospital management attempted to cover up the blunder that led to her death.

As complaints continue to rise, the FMC Abeokuta’s ability to fulfil its mission is increasingly called into question, raising concerns about the future of healthcare in the region.