Pregnant Woman Dies After Hospital Allegedly Demands ₦500K Deposit Before Treatment
By IDNN News Desk
A pregnant woman, Kemi Folajimi, was reported to have died in what many are calling a gruesome example of Nigeria’s broken healthcare system, after a private hospital in Lagos allegedly refused to treat her until a ₦500,000 deposit was paid.
Her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, shared a distressing video online showing Kemi’s final moments, pleading with her to stay alive for the sake of their children.
“Think about your kids, please. You need to be very strong for me,” he was heard saying through tears.
According to his post, the hospital refused to commence emergency care, demanding full payment before doing anything. Despite Folajimi’s pleas, the hospital referred them to a General Hospital in Epe—a journey Kemi tragically did not survive.
“They Drove Us Out Like We Didn’t Matter” — Husband Speaks Out
In an emotional Instagram post, Folajimi recounted the ordeal that has now gone viral, fueling national outrage:
“The doctor told me to deposit ₦500,000. I begged him to begin treatment while I looked for money. Instead, they drove us out like we didn’t matter.”
He explained that the hospital’s refusal came despite knowing that Epe General Hospital was too far from Lakwe, especially given Kemi’s critical condition. She died en route.
“Such a wicked institution… this is just too much for me. Only Jah knows and sees all,” he wrote.
Public Outrage Grows Over Pregnant Woman’s Death
The story has triggered a wave of anger across social media platforms, with #JusticeForKemi now trending. Nigerians are demanding:
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Immediate investigation into the hospital’s actions
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Clear enforcement of emergency medical protocols
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Criminal and civil accountability if negligence is confirmed
Health rights activists and legal professionals have condemned the alleged actions as a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and basic medical ethics, especially for life-threatening emergencies.
Healthcare or Profit? A Broken System Exposed
Kemi’s death is the latest in a series of tragic incidents where profit-first healthcare practices have resulted in avoidable deaths. Nigerians are increasingly asking: How many more lives must be lost before reforms are enforced?
According to the Nigerian Medical Association’s code of conduct, no hospital is allowed to reject emergency patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Yet, the lack of enforcement continues to cost lives.
IDNN will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they develop.
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What do you think should happen to the hospital if found guilty? Should emergency healthcare be free and non-negotiable in Nigeria?
