The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the tragic death of Kemi Akinbobola, a pregnant woman who reportedly died after being denied medical care at a private hospital due to her inability to pay a ₦500,000 deposit. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and reignited debates about the state of healthcare in Nigeria.
According to her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, Kemi was in critical condition when they arrived at As Salam Convalescent Centre in Ibeju-Lekki. He alleged that the hospital refused to provide emergency care without the deposit, despite his pleas for immediate treatment while he sourced the money. In a viral video shared on social media, Folajimi was seen desperately urging his wife to stay conscious as she struggled inside their car. He claimed that after being turned away, they were referred to Epe General Hospital, but Kemi did not survive the journey due to the distance and her deteriorating condition.
The video has drawn widespread condemnation of private hospitals for alleged negligence and insensitivity in emergency situations. Many Nigerians have called for justice and reforms in healthcare policies to prevent similar occurrences.
However, the management of As Salam Convalescent Centre has denied the allegations. The hospital’s founder, Rauf Salami, stated that no financial discussion took place during Kemi’s brief visit to the facility. According to Salami, the woman was brought in on a wheelchair after experiencing convulsions at home, and upon examination, it was determined that she required urgent blood transfusion and surgical intervention—services the hospital was not equipped to provide. Salami explained that Kemi was referred immediately to Epe General Hospital for specialized care and spent only three or four minutes at their facility.
Salami further suggested that Kemi’s condition might have been exacerbated by inadequate antenatal care prior to the emergency. He expressed frustration over public backlash against his hospital, stating that he had evidence to support their actions but preferred to leave everything “in God’s hands.”
The Lagos State Government has pledged to conduct a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Kemi’s death. This investigation is expected to address both allegations of negligence by private healthcare providers and broader systemic issues affecting maternal health services in Nigeria.
Maternal mortality remains a pressing issue in Lagos State and across Nigeria. Studies have shown that delays in accessing care, poor antenatal services, and inadequate resources at healthcare facilities contribute significantly to pregnancy-related deaths. This case underscores the urgent need for reforms in emergency maternal healthcare delivery and financial accessibility for vulnerable patients.
