A pregnant woman has tragically passed away after being denied treatment at a Nigerian hospital due to her inability to pay a ₦500,000 deposit
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a heartbreaking turn of events, a pregnant woman has tragically passed away after allegedly being denied treatment at a private hospital in Nigeria due to her inability to pay a ₦500,000 deposit.
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The tragic ordeal, which unfolded in February, has recently gained widespread attention, with many expressing shock and outrage at the incident.
The heartbreaking story was first shared on Instagram by the woman’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, who detailed the moments leading up to his wife Kemi’s untimely death.
In an emotional video that has since gone viral on X (formerly known as Twitter), Folajimi can be seen desperately trying to keep his wife awake as they rushed to get medical attention.
Kemi, visibly weak, lies in the car, struggling to stay conscious while her husband pleads for her to remain strong for their children.
“My goodness, Kemi, look at me. Stay strong, look at me. Think about your kids, please. You need to be very strong for me,” he is heard pleading with her in the video, his voice filled with desperation and heartbreak.
According to Folajimi’s post, the couple initially sought help at a private hospital, only to be turned away because they could not afford the required ₦500,000 deposit.
Despite the urgent nature of the situation, the hospital refused to begin any treatment or provide the necessary medical care without the upfront payment.
Folajimi recounted his painful experience, writing: “Private hospitals in Nigeria. The doctor told me to deposit 500k and I begged him to start doing whatever is needed to save my wife, we needed emergency support while I run around for the money but they drove us out like they don’t care.”
The couple was then referred to a general hospital in Epe, but tragically, the journey proved too much. The hospital was miles away, and Kemi did not survive the trip.
Folajimi’s grief-stricken post continued: “Unfortunately blindly rejected us and asked me to take her to General Hospital at Epe, even the doctor knows that Epe from Lakwe is way too far for such her condition. Before we rushed her to Epe, she was gone.”
In his anguished statement, Folajimi described the hospital’s refusal to treat his wife as an act of “wickedness,” expressing disbelief at the level of indifference shown by the medical professionals.
He concluded by saying, “How???? such a wicked institution, well only Jah knows and sees all. This is just too much for me.”
As the video and his post spread online, many individuals have expressed their outrage and sympathy in the comments.
The incident has sparked a national conversation about the state of healthcare in Nigeria, particularly regarding the treatment of pregnant women and the issue of high medical costs.
The tragedy has also brought to light the broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s healthcare system, where the inability to pay for treatment often results in lives being lost.
Many have called for urgent reforms to ensure that medical institutions prioritise saving lives over financial gain, especially in emergency situations.
Also read: Man remanded for beating pregnant wife to death in Ondo
Folajimi’s heartbreaking loss has shed light on the critical need for accessible, affordable healthcare in Nigeria. His plea for justice and reform has resonated with many, highlighting the emotional and financial burdens that citizens often face when seeking medical care.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
