Dr. Daha Tijjani Abdurrahman, a lecturer at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has accused Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, owned by the Saudi-Arabia-based Al-Basar Foundation, of damaging his father’s eye during cataract surgery.
Trouble began when Dr. Abdurrahman posted on social media, claiming that his father lost vision in one eye following a cataract removal procedure at the hospital. He stated that his father had been able to see with both eyes before the surgery, though his vision was blurred.
“My father underwent what was supposed to be routine cataract surgery. Before this surgery, he had about 75 percent vision in his left eye,” Abdurrahman said.
He accused the hospital of unprofessionalism, dishonesty, and negligence, alleging that the ophthalmologist himself administered the anesthesia, a violation of medical standards.
“My father felt unbearable pain during the procedure, and by the end, his face was swollen, and his vision was severely damaged,” he wrote.
Dr. Abdurrahman also claimed the hospital concealed their mistakes, sending his father home without disclosing the failed surgery. When his father returned a week later due to unbearable pain, he said the hospital continued to deceive them until the truth emerged 15 days after the surgery.
In response, Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital denied the allegations, stating they had not been given the opportunity to investigate.
The hospital’s head, Malam Yusuf Ahmadu, said, “We received a complaint and promised to investigate, but the matter was posted on social media before we could respond.”
The hospital threatened legal action against Dr. Abdurrahman, accusing him of defamation in a letter signed by their lawyer, Ibrahim Umar Abere. The letter demanded he retract the posts and issue an apology.
Despite the threat, Dr. Abdurrahman vowed not to be silenced, stating, “I refuse to be silent. #JusticeforATA must be served.”
The situation remains unresolved as both sides stand firm in their positions.
