Lagos sets up panel to probe pregnant woman’s death over ‘N500k treatment’

The Lagos state government has launched an investigation into the death of Kemi, a pregnant woman who was allegedly denied treatment over failure to pay N500,000 at a private health facility.

Her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, made the allegation in a viral video, accusing a clinic of refusing to give medical treatment to his pregnant wife due to his inability to make the upfront payment.

In a statement on Saturday, Akin Abayomi, Lagos state commissioner of health, expressed deep sadness over the death of the pregnant woman.

He said the Lagos state government is conducting a thorough investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the death.

“The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has formed a panel to uncover the details and identify any breaches in medical care standards,” the statement reads.

“Initial investigations suggest that multiple parties, including a traditional birth attendant and the private hospital, were involved and are currently being interviewed.”

He said the investigation focuses on verification of the registration status of the individuals and facilities with HEFAMAA, compliance with approved scopes of practice, adherence to emergency medical protocols, and identification of any negligence that contributed to the incident.

He said the report from the panel will soon be released, and those found responsible will face legal consequences.

“The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all healthcare facilities, public or private, must comply with HEFAMAA regulations, including accreditation and regular inspections,” the commissioner said.

“The government maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards facilities that operate illegally or fail to provide necessary emergency care, as such failures constitute a breach of medical ethics.

“We also wish to reiterate that no healthcare facility is permitted to deny emergency care to any patient, especially in life-threatening situations. It is a breach of medical ethics and regulatory obligations, and such acts will be met with strict penalties.

“We are also using this opportunity to reiterate the government’s position in enforcing compliance and regulation of nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as a holistic strategy to strengthen the healthcare system.

“The public is encouraged to report any healthcare facility that is not registered with HEFAMAA or is practicing beyond its accredited capacity, emphasizing the importance of using government-approved institutions for medical care. To enhance oversight, the government is intensifying monitoring efforts across all health establishments, ensuring they adhere to quality and safety standards.”