Man Goes Blind, Paralysed After Taking Tb Drugs

A 34-year-old man, Ayuba Kwagui has been certified blind and paralyzed, after allegedly taking tuberculosis drugs prescribed to him by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
According to Kwagui, the problem that brought him to the hospital was backache.

After complaining to the doctor on duty, he (the doctor) said he suspected TB of the spine, called Poh disease. Even when the diagnosis stated otherwise the doctor still placed him on TB drugs, which eventually led to his blindness, paralysis and partial brain problem.

Narrating his ordeal to newsmen in Abuja, Kwagui, an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) holder in Mechanical Engineer, from Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, said: “On the 11th of August, 2005, due to pain at my back, I was taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the orthopedic doctor on duty said he suspected TB of the spine called Poh disease.

He said: “After all the tests, the result were negative, but the doctor insisted I have TB of the spine. I gave in because I believe as a doctor that he knows what he is saying. I was placed on TB drugs for the first three months and in the course of taking the drugs there were rashes all over my body as a result of reaction. When I complained, the doctor placed me on another medication; the rashes did not subside before he went on leave.

When he came back from leave he referred me to another department in the hospital to look for appropriate TB drugs for me. Based on the doctorís recommendation, I was placed on government free TB drugs.
After two months of taking the drugs, I noticed my eyes were shaking. I was hearing multiple noises from my ears and my legs were becoming weak. When I complained to the doctor he referred me to a neurologist.
After a thorough investigation they could not find a trace of TB bacterial.

It was at this time the hospital decided to treat me of drug abuse, but unfortunately the damage had been done. The total months I took these drugs were seven months and I lost my sight completely in February 2006.
Right now I have lost my sight, I have a partial brain problem, partial hearing problem and a serious damage to my legs, which makes it difficult for me to walk.

I have been on and off from the hospital until I met the CMD, Professor Kyari in December, 2008. On the 20th of January this year, I had a meeting with him, with a promised that if they could find a well-equipped hospital in Nigeria that can help improve my condition they would help, just because I had written a letter through my lawyer, Kenneth & Co. Ogenyi for adequate compensation or I will sue the hospital.”
Kwagui, a native of Chibor Local Government Area, Maiduguri said it was the hospital that caused his present predicament.

But in a swift reaction to the letter of compensation from Kwagui’s lawyer, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital through it lawyer, B.A Bukar denied liability both in respect of diagnosis and treatment Mr. Kwagui received from the hospital.
“Having gone through the contents of the letter, we hereby unequivocally deny liability both in respect of diagnosis and treatment, which your client received on diverse dates at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
“Consequently, we find no basis for payment of compensation to your client as demanded. You may, therefore, wish to take any action you deem necessary,”the hospital said.
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