A Lagos-based private hospital, As Salam Convalescent Centre, located in Iwerekun 1, Ibeju/Lekki, has denied allegations that it demanded an upfront payment of N500,000 before providing medical care to a pregnant woman, Kemi, who later passed away due to complications.
The controversy erupted after the deceased’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, shared a viral video, alleging that the hospital refused treatment for his heavily pregnant wife because he was unable to pay the requested amount.
In the emotional footage, Kemi appeared visibly weak inside a car, while Folajimi desperately urged her to stay conscious. He could be heard pleading, “My goodness! Kemi, look at me. Stay strong; think about your kids. You need to be forceful for me.”
Folajimi later claimed that after being turned away, they were referred to a general hospital in Epe, but Kemi passed away en route. He stated, “The doctor told me to deposit N500,000, and I begged him to start treating her while I sourced the money. But they refused and asked me to take her to Epe General Hospital. Before we got there, she was gone.”
The video quickly ignited public outrage, with sympathisers calling for accountability and reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare system to prevent similar incidents.
Hospital Denies Allegation, Says Referral Was Based on Critical Condition
In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Metro on Thursday, the hospital’s founder, Rauf Salami, refuted the claims, asserting that at no point did his facility request money from the family.
He explained, “On that day, a pregnant woman was brought to our centre. My colleague on duty reported that she had already convulsed twice before arriving. A quick examination revealed that she urgently needed a blood transfusion and surgery.”
Salami noted that due to the complexity of her case, the hospital advised the husband to take her to Epe General Hospital, which is better equipped for such emergencies.
“We did not demand any payment. The priority was to get her to a facility where she could receive the necessary treatment,” he said.
The hospital further clarified that Kemi was neither a registered patient nor had she previously visited the facility.
Founder Expresses Frustration, Considers Legal Action
Salami, reacting to the backlash, said the accusations were deeply distressing. “Reading the reactions to this issue, one could even contemplate suicide because of the immense frustration. People have advised me to sue him, and I could because I have my evidence.”
He added that the hospital lacked the required resources to handle her case, which was why she was referred immediately. “If we had administered a single drip that day, she could have died because there was no blood left in her body. And obtaining blood in this profession is not something you can demand at the counter. So, we referred her to a facility better suited to handle her case.”
Speculation Over Lack of Antenatal Care
Salami also suggested that Kemi might not have been receiving antenatal care at any hospital before the incident.
“I don’t believe she was registered in any hospital for antenatal care because if she had been, she wouldn’t have been in that condition. That’s why we urged them to go to the general hospital immediately,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Salami stated that he would leave everything to God, saying, “I am a Muslim, and whatever comes a Muslim’s way, the best response is to say, Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return).”
He expressed confidence that his reputation within the community would remain intact, as those who had previously sought medical attention at his facility could vouch for its integrity.
