Rahmatu (Ummi) Aliyu: A lost gem

According to an international survey, Nigeria ranks the worst country to be born into this year. The country was placed among war-torn countries or countries affected by famine. So, what is our excuse?
On Thursday, July 4, Rahmatu (Ummi) Aliyu passed on from this life on the operation table at the Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital, Kaduna. Despite attending pre-natal care classes on Monday, she delivered her stillborn son around 4am. The nurses said he was “macerated,” meaning the baby had been dead for at least two days. After delivery, her cervix closed up, trapping the placenta, and complicating the third stage of labor. With the retained placenta, Ummi continued to bleed, a condition called postpartum hemorrhage.
The series of events that followed caused her death. First, there was no experienced doctor. The on-call doctor present said Ummi had to wait for the doctor coming in the morning, because there was not much he could do to help. Hours later, the doctor they were waiting for was called via phone to come to the hospital, and she came late, very late. Meanwhile, before the doctor arrived, Ummi lost a lot of blood, so she needed blood transfusion.
Apparently, there was no blood available at the hospital. A relative had to be searched and called to the hospital to be screened for donation. Time was of the essence. Time was wasted. Ummi was bleeding since 4 am. Another delay was when her sister was asked to look for an intravenous medication to induce contractions in order to expel the placenta from Ummi’s uterus. The sister had to go out the hospital and search for Pitocin, which she found after going to a few pharmacies. Time was of the essence. Time was wasted. The survival rate of a woman going through postpartum hemorrhage is significantly decreased when the bleeding time exceeds two hours.
When Ummi did not hear her son cry, she consoled her other older sister who was with her. A nurse told her not to cry, that she could try again next time. Ummi, strong and talkative, agreed and she continued to pray. She kept asking over and over if she was going to survive. Her sister described her as “paper white” indicating that she lost so much blood.
Her breathing was short and shallow and she cried when she felt pain. She asked her husband for forgiveness, as he panicked and looked terrified. Their courtship took longer than usual, because he had to travel abroad to study. Despite the pressure of society, she opted to wait for him, and cast aside people’s opinions. Ummi had been a patient and faithful wife to him.
As she was wheeled into surgery, she waved and smiled at her sisters. It was a moment they will never erase from their minds. The Pitocin was administered. One pint of blood was flowing into Ummi as she went under general anaesthesia to have the placenta removed. More pints of blood were needed, but treatment was delayed far beyond the survival rate. Moments later her exhausted body gave up, and her family lost a gem.
The state has failed Ummi and many other mothers. Three main delays contribute to maternity deaths; delay in diagnosis, delay in transport, and delay in treatment. Unfortunately, no one will be held accountable, which means, it has happened before, and will happen again. Even if the health workers were skilled, the hospitals lack resources. Public transport and pathways to hospitals are not conducive. Kaduna city does not have one properly equipped ambulance! Even if patients were to have access to hospitals, anticipating bills prevent many from going because of poverty.
I know we are not going to live forever and people die every day. However, the circumstances of Ummi’s death will always remain painful because it was preventable. Nigeria is a rich nation with resources. The country can afford medical expertise and medical equipment. Instead government officials and their associates spend millions on luxury at the expense of Nigerian citizens. It will take volumes (and a painkiller) to breakdown the corruption that has engulfed Nigeria. Since the government has failed and will continue to fail the people, it is up to us to play a part in helping one another.
Donate blood to hospitals to reduce time delay. Encourage others to partake in this simple charitable gesture. Insufficient supply of blood in hospitals hinders emergency procedures. Talk about health issues to your family and friends. Know your health status and educate yourself on medical procedures so you can keep up with decisions health workers make for you. Ask questions, demand answers, and understand the details.
Give to charity that donates to hospitals and patients. There has been a surge of activists on social media who spread awareness on patients who need financial assistance. Philanthropists have donated and helped many causes. I would have also added that we should write to the “law-makers” and politicians to influence their decisions concerning health insurance, medical malpractice, welfare, public transport, emergency services, legal actions, and education, but who am I kidding?
If the country was a legit “democracy”, perhaps our voices would be heard and our actions recognized. If the country had passionate workers, instead of selfish touts, perhaps our efforts would be worthwhile. If we had righteous leaders, not greedy rulers, perhaps they would be more concerned with the people’s welfare. If priorities were in place, the quality of a Nigerian’s life would be exemplary.
I met Ummi a few times, but her warm attitude has made it seem like we’ve known each other for a long time. We met at family occasions and she was always a delight to chat with. Her beauty captivates, and her personality keeps you enthralled in her presence. She was twenty-four years old, an intelligent lady, obedient daughter, caring sister, and a loving wife to her husband Muhammad Sani. Rahmatu Ummi would have been a great mother and an exceptional asset to the nation.
May her soul rest in peace.
 Allah ya jiqan Rahma Ummi. Ameen.