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By Oscar Okhifo
Deborah Mbara, the cancer survivor at the centre of the controversy involving social media influencer Blessing Okoro, also known as Blessing CEO, has alleged that her medical report was tampered with and shared without her consent, a claim now backed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Mbara, who spoke with journalists on the development, explained that the medical document circulating online was not only published without her approval but had also been altered in ways that distorted the true state of her health condition.
“I was shocked when I saw my medical report online. I did not give anyone permission to share it, let alone alter it. It has caused me emotional distress and embarrassment,” she said.
She further lamented the psychological toll the incident has taken on her, insisting that the circulation of the document had worsened her recovery process.
“As a cancer survivor, I am already in a vulnerable state. Seeing my private medical information being discussed publicly like this has reopened wounds I thought I was healing from,” Mbara added.
The development has attracted the attention of the Nigerian Medical Association, which, according to findings, confirmed that the medical document in question bears indications of possible alteration.
Reacting, a senior official of the association, who requested anonymity, emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of patients’ records is paramount, warning that any unauthorized modification or disclosure amounts to a serious breach of medical ethics and confidentiality standards.
“Patient records are sacrosanct. Any tampering or unauthorized release undermines trust in the entire healthcare system. If this is further confirmed, it represents a very serious ethical violation,” the official said.
The official further stressed that healthcare professionals and institutions have a legal and moral duty to protect patient data at all times.
“Confidentiality is not optional in medicine; it is a core obligation. Breaches of this nature can attract disciplinary action and, in some cases, legal consequences,” he added.
The controversy erupted after the medical report allegedly linked to Mbara’s cancer diagnosis surfaced on social media, triggering widespread reactions and raising questions about its authenticity and how it was obtained and circulated, with claims pointing toward Blessing Okoro.
A digital rights advocate, Chinedu Okafor, also weighed in on the matter, warning of the growing dangers of online exposure of sensitive health information.
“We are seeing an increasing disregard for medical privacy in the digital space. Once such data is leaked or altered, the harm to the individual is often irreversible,” Okafor said.
Legal experts have also suggested that the matter could fall under provisions of data protection and cybercrime laws if unauthorized access or manipulation is established.
Efforts to obtain a response from Blessing Okoro were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Observers say the manner in which relevant authorities respond to the matter may be crucial in setting a precedent against the misuse and manipulation of sensitive personal medical information in the digital space.
Already, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said it is yet to receive any petition against Blessing CEO over the matter.
The agency reiterated that it only acts on formally submitted petitions and does not initiate investigations based solely on media reports.
It remains unclear whether the police would also require a formal complaint before taking further steps in the case.