Doctor Collapses and Dies Shortly After Arriving at Work
A Nigerian doctor, Dr Ibrahim, tragically lost his life last weekend, just 15 minutes after he arrived at his hospital to attend to elderly patients. The incident occurred at Arewa Surgery Hospital in Hotoro, Kano state, where he was scheduled to see patients, including the mother of an aide to the Jigawa state governor.
In a tribute posted on social media, Suleiman Harbo, an aide to the Jigawa state governor, recounted the heartbreaking events. He had taken his mother to the hospital for a scheduled appointment at about 5:00 p.m. to see a Consultant Physician. Initially, they were to see Dr Mijinyawa, but were informed he was unavailable. The staff recommended Dr Ibrahim, a Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology, who often covered for Dr Mijinyawa.
Patients Waited as Doctor Rushed to Hospital
Harbo said his mother and other elderly patients, all above 80 years old, waited for Dr Ibrahim to arrive. At about 6:30 p.m., Harbo inquired at the reception and was told Dr Ibrahim was still at home. He asked that the doctor be informed his mother was among the waiting patients. Dr Ibrahim graciously agreed to come immediately after observing Maghrib prayer.
Harbo stepped out to perform ablution and went to the mosque. After Maghrib, he returned to the waiting lobby, unaware that Dr Ibrahim had arrived. Tragically, shortly after stepping out of his car, Dr Ibrahim felt dizzy. Other doctors rushed to his aid and moved him to the emergency unit. Within 15 minutes, he was confirmed dead.
Painful Irony: Elderly Patients Outlived Their Doctor
Harbo noted the painful irony: all the patients waiting to see Dr Ibrahim were above 80 years of age, and about five Senior Consultant doctors fought to save him, yet all of them broke down in tears. Harbo's mother, unaware of what had happened, called him, saying, “Tafida, if the doctor is not coming, let’s go home. I am worried I didn't observe Maghrib.” Before he could answer, another patient said, “Hajiya, the doctor we all are waiting for has just arrived… and has passed away.”
Harbo's mother responded, “Innalillahi wa'inna ilaihir raji'un. Tafida tashi mutafi gida kawai Allah yajikansa, ni nawarke ma, let’s go home.” Harbo had to summon courage to drive them back home.
Last Words: A Testimony of Faith
Harbo found profound comfort in the fact that Dr Ibrahim's last words were “LA'ILAHA ILLALLAH,” which everyone present heard clearly. He concluded his tribute with a prayer: “Dr. Ibrahim, may Allah forgive your shortcomings, accept your last testimony, grant you Al-Jannah Firdaus, and give your family the fortitude to bear this loss. Amin.”
