The family of Mrs Barira Alhassan is demanding justice and an independent investigation after she alleged that one of her kidneys was removed during a Caesarean Section (C-section) at Gombe State Specialist Hospital.
SolaceBase reports that the allegation has triggered public concern and renewed calls for transparency in medical accountability, although the hospital has denied carrying out any surgical procedure involving her kidneys.
Barira, who spoke in an interview with BBC News Pidgin, said she underwent an emergency C-section at the hospital on April 8, 2026, but began experiencing severe health complications days after the operation.
According to her, she developed persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, body swelling and painful urination shortly after being discharged.
The mother of 10 said the surgery was her first operation despite delivering all her previous children without surgical intervention.
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She said concerns grew after her health condition continued to deteriorate, and she later underwent further medical examination.
Barira alleged that a doctor who examined her informed her that she had only one kidney — a revelation she described as devastating and difficult to understand.
“What shocked us most was hearing that she now has only one kidney,” a family member said, insisting they want answers and accountability.
The family further alleged that after raising concerns with the hospital, they were encouraged not to publicise the matter.
Barira’s brother, Zakaria Alhassan, said the family became more suspicious after reviewing a medical scan they said was conducted in 2015 and reportedly showed that Barira had two kidneys before the surgery.
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According to him, repeated attempts to obtain a satisfactory explanation from hospital authorities yielded no result.
He also claimed the family requested Barira’s medical records but was informed that the records could not be located.
Unsatisfied with the hospital’s response, the family submitted a petition to the Gombe State Ministry of Health requesting an independent and transparent investigation.
Zakaria said ministry officials later invited Barira, her husband and representatives of the hospital to a meeting and advised all parties to allow investigations to continue before discussing the matter publicly.
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However, the family said they remain dissatisfied and are calling for a thorough probe to establish what happened and ensure accountability.
Responding to the allegations, the management of Gombe State Specialist Hospital rejected the claims, describing them as false, misleading and unsupported by medical evidence.
In a statement, the hospital said theatre records showed Barira underwent only an emergency Caesarean Section and that no medical procedure involving her kidneys was performed.
The management stated that an internal review commenced immediately after the complaint was received and that hospital officials met twice with Barira and her relatives to explain findings and review available medical records.
The hospital added that the family later requested another independent medical examination, which management approved and is awaiting the outcome.
It also expressed concern over what it described as attempts on social media to damage the institution’s reputation and weaken public confidence in healthcare workers.
The hospital maintained that no kidney was removed during the procedure and said it remains open to cooperating with any lawful investigation.
