A private hospital in the Ibeju/Lekki area of Lagos has come under fire following the tragic death of a pregnant woman, Kemi, after her husband was unable to pay an upfront fee of N500,000 for treatment. The incident, first shared by Akinbobola Folajimi in February, has resurfaced on social media, sparking widespread anger and calls for accountability.

Reports indicate that when Kemi needed urgent care, hospital staff allegedly refused to provide treatment without the deposit. In a distressing video, Folajimi is seen urging his wife to stay strong as he attempts to keep her conscious while they sit in their car. Despite his pleas, the hospital reportedly directed them to a general hospital in Epe, where Kemi ultimately lost her life.

Folajimi expressed his heartbreak in a social media post, recounting how he begged for immediate care while he sought the funds. He lamented, “They drove us out like they didn’t care. Before we rushed her to Epe, she was gone.”

The hospital has not publicly addressed the incident. Attempts to contact them via phone and text have gone unanswered.

The response online has been overwhelmingly negative, with many calling for legal reforms to prevent such situations in the future. Dr. Femi Yekinni, a lecturer, emphasized the need for a law that prioritizes patient care over financial matters, stating, “Save a life first, then do whatever you can to recover the money later.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the hospital’s policy. Damilola Olarewaju questioned the logic of demanding payment upfront, saying, “How does a dead person pay N500,000?” Many stressed that hospitals should provide emergency care first and sort out payments later.

However, some online commentators have scrutinized Folajimi's actions during the crisis. Critics questioned his decision to film the situation instead of seeking help more urgently. One user noted, “Every second counts during an emergency,” while another suggested that he should have considered public hospitals, where treatment costs are typically lower.

This incident has reignited conversations about the responsibilities of healthcare providers in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms to ensure that saving lives is prioritized over monetary considerations.