Contrary to the publication titled “Extortion at Urology Center: Gov Abba Must Hear This” authored by Aminu Shehu of the Citizens Free Service Forum (CFSF) and published on this platform last Thursday, which alleged various injustices against some patients at the Abubakar Imam Urology Center and called for corrective action by the authorities, an exhaustive investigation conducted this Friday by this site has revealed otherwise.
According to the writer of the story in question, who described himself as a former patient of the Center, having undergone several surgeries and treatments there in the past, had recently accompanied a friend in need of medical care at the hospital and observed noticeable differences between current practices and those of earlier times.
He explained that the standard procedure required them to consult a senior urologist at the Team A Clinic, after which a prostate biopsy which normally costs ₦31,500 was recommended by the hospital’s consultant.
To verify the authenticity of the information, this site conducted a discreet visit to the hospital premises to investigate the matter today, but only to discover that the claims were far from the truth.
Our investigation revealed that the cost of a prostate biopsy at the hospital still ranges from ₦31,500 to ₦40,000 in the hospital.
Further findings revealed that the claim of a charge of One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (₦180,000) made by the writer is incorrect, as the said amount actually applies to a prostatectomy, which involves the surgical removal of an enlarged prostate.
Additionally, when this platform discreetly visited the hospital premises to gather patients’ opinions regarding the treatment and care they received, as well as any concerns they might have, nearly all of them expressed satisfaction with the services provided.
Regarding the alleged extortion of money by some hospital staff, most of those interviewed said they were unaware of any such practice but instead praised the hospital management for their care and concern.
Our investigation further revealed that both the staff and patients interviewed expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by the hospital under the current administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
When contacted for comments on the alleged extortion of money by some hospital staff, the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Balarabe Umar Muhammad, refuted the allegation, attributing it to the handiwork of mischief makers bent on tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the hospital and its dedicated staff.
The CMD went on to clearly explain the difference between a prostate biopsy test and prostate surgery, noting that the two procedures attract different costs.
According to him, the prostate biopsy costs ₦31,500, while the prostatectomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of an enlarged prostate costs ₦180,000.
He went on to commend Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the continuous special attention his administration has been giving to the hospital.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Director further disclosed that the management is delighted with the installation of the Super Digital X-ray machine provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, noting that it has significantly improved staff efficiency and enhanced patients’ experience.
Dr. Muhammad also extended his appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration for restoring the hospital’s previously unserviceable ambulance to full operation, describing the development as a major relief to the hospital’s daily operations.
He also conveyed the heartfelt appreciation of the entire hospital community to the government for providing new dental equipment to the hospital.
The Chief Medical Director, Dr. Balarabe Umar Muhammad, praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his exceptional leadership and the special attention given to the hospital.
Dr. Muhammad further commended the government for approving and releasing ₦40 million for the purchase of a new ultrasound machine.
“We are equally grateful to the government for approving the installation of a Dialysis Machine in the hospital, a development that will significantly reduce the suffering of kidney patients across the state,” he stated.
CMD Balarabe Umar Muhammad further expressed deep appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the Abubakar Imam Urology Center (AIUC), Kano, noting that plans are already in motion to invest an additional ₦30 million in the solarisation of the entire hospital premises.
