“How does a dead person pay N500,000? Prioritizing money over life makes no sense.”
PUNCH
A private hospital in the Ibeju/Lekki area of Lagos State has remained silent following allegations that it refused to treat a pregnant woman, Kemi, due to her husband’s inability to pay an upfront deposit of N500,000. The woman later died after being referred to a general hospital in Epe.
The incident, initially shared by her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, in February, resurfaced on social media Tuesday, sparking public outrage. A viral video showed a visibly weak Kemi in a car while her husband desperately pleaded for her to stay conscious.
Folajimi stated that despite his pleas, the hospital refused treatment without payment and directed them elsewhere. “Before we rushed her to Epe, she was gone,” he wrote.
Efforts to reach the hospital have been unsuccessful, with calls and messages unanswered. The incident has ignited debates on the ethical obligations of medical institutions, with calls for legislation to prevent similar occurrences. While some sympathised with Folajimi, others criticised his decision to seek care at a private hospital and record a video during the crisis.
The tragedy has intensified discussions on prioritising human life over financial policies in Nigeria’s healthcare system.