By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Management of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Uche-Chukwudokwe Amarachi, whose death had sparked reactions and allegations on social media.
The hospital, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Office, described some of the narratives circulating online as misleading, insisting that the deceased did not present at the facility merely to treat “cold and catarrh”, as being alleged and portrayed in some social media accounts.
According to the hospital, Mrs. Amarachi was brought to COOUTH after she had previously been managed at a private hospital for generalized body swelling and difficulty in breathing.
The hospital said further medical investigations conducted after her presentation revealed several serious abnormalities, including severe anaemia, with a packed cell volume of 20 per cent, proteinuria of 3+, haematuria of 3+ and pleural effusion.
Based on the clinical findings and investigations, COOUTH said she was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a serious kidney-related condition which the hospital noted constituted significant risks to both the mother and unborn child.
This, COOUTH said, showed that
the patient’s condition was far more serious than the minor ailment portrayed in the circulating narratives.
The hospital disclosed that following a multidisciplinary clinical assessment, the patient’s husband was counselled on the need to terminate the pregnancy in order to preserve her life.
It, however, said both the patient and her husband declined the recommendation.
COOUTH further stated that the woman was subsequently transfused with three units of blood, after which her blood level improved, while other aspects of her treatment and care continued under the supervision of the multidisciplinary team.
The hospital said the patient’s condition, however, later deteriorated and she eventually became unconscious.
According to the statement, it was at that point that the husband gave consent for the termination of the pregnancy as was earlier recommended, thereby prompting the medical team to immediately commence preparations for the procedure.
The hospital said the woman unfortunately died later that same day before the termination could be carried out.
COOUTH maintained that the demise was associated with the progression of the underlying severe medical condition, rather than the minor ailment being circulated on social media.
The clarification by the hospital followed social media posts which had alleged that the woman, said to have been about 14 weeks pregnant, visited the hospital for what was described as a minor ailment but subsequently died alongside her unborn baby.
One of the posts had particularly questioned how a woman who reportedly walked into the hospital for “minor treatment” could end up dead, while also calling out the hospital Management to explain what transpired.
The hospital, in its reaction, also cautioned members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary anxiety or damaging the reputation of healthcare professionals and institutions.
It said it remained committed to ethical and evidence-based medical practice, quality healthcare delivery and the protection of patient confidentiality.
While expressing sympathy with the bereaved family, the hospital management extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that Mrs. Amarachi passed away on March 28, 2026 at the youthful age of 28 years after battling for her life at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital Amaku Awka.
Amarachi, who hailed from Ubarunusionye village in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area, was reportedly buried on April 15 at her husband’s compound, months after which speculations reactions started sprouting up on different social media platforms regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
