Segun and Mary Ayeni, parents of a set of conjoined twins, have raised the alarm over decisions taken by the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State not to release the medical records of their daughters, Miracle and Testimony, and to solicit funds on behalf of the parents.
The babies had been transferred to the UNTH immediately after delivery on November 16, 2015.
Mary stated that two Western hospitals had indicated interest in offering their expertise to successfully separate the twins, but that the hospital had refused to cooperate.
An actress, Mrs. Caroline Danjuma, who is the founder of a non-governmental organisation, Hopeville Foundation, which has since taken up the twins’ case, added that she contacted one Prof. Nene Obiayo at the hospital for the scans and she was turned down.
Danjuma said, “I personally called the professor and asked ‘Why aren’t you releasing these scans to hospitals that are willing to assist?’ She asked me, ‘What do they need them for?’”
But the Public Relations Officer, UNTH, Mr. Cyril Keleze, described Obiayo as an emeritus professor of paediatric surgery who was well qualified.
Danjuma further stated that the hospital had been distributing its account details for individuals to donate funds.
Danjuma said, “What right does a hospital have to be giving out its account number for people to pay money? It is very wrong. I had even told the mother that after sorting out the team of doctors and after their research had been completed to determine the cost, then we will create an account in the name of the children and then people would start donating into that account.
“Whatever money has been donated will be made public and the remaining will be invested in the children’s education, which will also be made public. At the end of the day, the children are like a money-making industry for them (the hospital).
Keleze confirmed to SUNDAY PUNCH that the N5m previously stated by the Chief Medical Officer, UNTH, Dr. Christopher Amah, in February, for the surgery had not changed and that that the hospital was soliciting for funds on behalf of the parents.
The UNTH spokesperson said the hospital had made appeals and that some “well-meaning Nigerians” had indicated interest but that they had yet to make the payments promised.
“The parents are aware of all this. The hospital communicated with them. They know why they (the twins) are still there. They see them being taken care of. What’s wrong with that? If people enquire on how they can help with money for the surgery, what’s wrong if the hospital releases the account number to them?
But Segun said he and his wife were in the dark about decisions taken by the hospital concerning his daughters.
He said, “They can’t tell me that they involved me. They won’t say that to my face. It was even someone that called me and told me about the N5m. If I knew about it, why would I deny it?
“Are they not my children? If I had not seen the account number published in a national newspaper on February 10, I wouldn’t have believed. Is it the right of the hospital to use their own account number? I’ve never seen such a thing done in the civilised world.”
Read what Carline wrote
My little angels are 4 months old today … Unfortunately I have to speak up on behalf of this kids and the parents . The hospital they are in right now are bent on operating on them when they don ’ t have the equipments . Hospitals in Texas and Canada have asked for their MRI scan and CT scan to see if they can assist this children but the hospital in Enugu has refused to give it to them , when I personally called a certain prof obiayo she asked me what the hospital abroad needed it for . What a funny question . The hospital went as far as publishing in the newspaper that they would need 5 m for the surgery without informing the parents . To them it ’ s all about the money . The mother has been crying for fear of losing her daughters . The hospital has refused to communicate with the parents but are only concerned with making a name and money through this innocent babies . Giving out their personal bank Acc without the consent of the family . They said we should keep the kids in the hospital for 9 months before operation by my research those babies don ’ t need to stay for that long if they ain ’ t sharing any organs . This babies are handed over to student doctors and that scares me most .I have decided to voice out cause I have been the one consoling the parents since I got involved but right now I am extremely livid at the selfishness and non caring attitude of the doctors. The parents can speak for them selves . Hopeville foundation will continue to do its best .
Unfortunately the hospital in Enugu is refusing to assist . We are willing to work with the hospital in Enugu as a TEAM but we refuse them taking out the operation all alone without equipments and the right professionals . Pls kindly make this viral until Mrs Ayeni is heard and attended to properly. 08138581860 - Mrs ayeni’ number . Pls contact her for more details . If you would like to visit the children in Enugu for more info that will be great . Hopeville foundation is also willing to assist you for more inquiries. Pls help Mrs Mary ayeni smile again