Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

Angry students of the University of Port Harcourt,UNIPORT in Rivers State, this morning barricaded all the entrances of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, sacking doctors, nurses other medical personnel to protest the death last night of their colleague, a final year female student of Theatre Arts.

The dead student, identified as Kelechi Precious, who was refused treatment because of the excuse by the hospital that it had no vacant bed, later died in a private hospital. She was said to be a 200 Level Theatre Arts Student.

The protesting students have disallowed medical personnel from gaining access to their patients.

The students complained that they pay for medical, as part of their schools fees. But they said they are always denied treatment each time they seek medical attention.

The protest triggered a traffic gridlock on the East-West highway.

UPTH which is only federal government referral hospital has had its fair share of teething challenges of decay including equipment, beds and drugs and unkempt environment.

The management of UNIPORT has summoned an emergency meeting with the students’ union government to deliberate on the protest.

Dr William Wodi,the spokesman for management of the UNIPORT confirmed the scheduled meeting but refused further comment on the protest and death of 200 level Theatre Arts student.