A private hospital in the Ibeju/Lekki area of Lagos State has come under public scrutiny following the tragic death of a pregnant woman, identified as Kemi. The hospital allegedly refused to provide medical care because her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, could not immediately pay a deposit of ₦500,000.
The heartbreaking incident, which first came to light in February, resurfaced on social media earlier this week, sparking widespread outrage. Many Nigerians have condemned the hospital’s alleged refusal to treat the woman in an emergency situation.
A viral video shared online captured the distressing moment Kemi, visibly weak, sat inside a car while her husband desperately tried to keep her conscious. In the footage, he repeatedly called her name, urging her to stay strong for their children.
Folajimi later explained that after being denied care at the private hospital, they were referred to a general hospital in Epe. However, the journey was too long, and his wife passed away before they could reach the facility.
“The doctor told me to deposit ₦500,000, and I begged him to start treatment while I looked for the money,” Folajimi wrote in a post. “But they drove us out like they didn’t care. Before we reached Epe, she was gone.”
The incident has fueled debates on social media about the ethical responsibilities of hospitals, especially in emergency situations. Many Nigerians believe healthcare institutions should prioritize saving lives before discussing payment.
A lecturer, Dr. Femi Yekinni, expressed his frustration, saying, “This is just so sad and heartbreaking. Save a life first, then do whatever you can to recover the money later. This is the acceptable standard all over the world. The National Assembly needs to make a law to address critical issues such as this.”
Another social media user, Anthony Kene, pointed out that the hospital’s name suggests it is affiliated with a religious organization. He stated, “I think it should be enshrined in our laws that hospitals must not reject anyone on monetary grounds.”
Similarly, Damilola Olarewaju questioned the hospital’s policy, saying, “How does a dead person pay ₦500,000? Prioritizing money over life makes no sense. Hospitals should treat first and sort payments later.”
However, not all reactions were directed at the hospital. Some social media users criticized the husband for taking his wife to a private clinic instead of a government hospital, where costs might have been lower. Others questioned his decision to record a video while she was in distress.
A user, @lordVolder2, commented, “But why make a video in such a critical situation? May God have mercy upon us and Nigeria. I pray God consoles the husband.”
Another user, @Blueplug11, remarked, “During an emergency, every second counts. Devoting time to making a video instead of acting fast is reckless.”
Similarly, @IamChukwuemeka added, “If you don’t have enough money, avoid private hospitals; they are profit-driven. He had time to register her at a public hospital but failed.”
