The Lagos State Government has launched a full investigation into the death of a pregnant woman, Mrs. Folajimi, who reportedly passed away after being denied medical treatment at a private facility in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, allegedly due to her inability to pay a required deposit
The tragedy, which may have involved both a private hospital and a traditional birth attendant, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed criticism of the accessibility of emergency healthcare in the state.
Preliminary findings suggest that despite being in critical condition, the woman was denied urgent medical attention—a delay that may have cost her life.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, expressed deep sorrow in a statement released on Saturday, offering condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state’s medical community.
“No woman should lose her life in the process of giving life,” Abayomi said. “This case will be thoroughly investigated, and we are committed to ensuring justice for the deceased and her loved ones.”
To that end, a joint investigative panel comprising officials from the Ministry of Health and the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has been established. The panel will examine the licensing status of the involved facilities and personnel, assess compliance with regulatory standards, and investigate any violations of emergency care protocols.
Abayomi stressed that all healthcare providers in Lagos, whether public or private, are legally obligated to offer emergency services without delay or discrimination. Denying treatment based on financial constraints, he warned, is both unethical and unlawful.
“Healthcare providers who flout these standards will face the full weight of regulatory and legal consequences,” he stated.
The state also pledged to intensify oversight of traditional birth attendants and private health institutions, especially unregistered nursing homes. Residents were urged to seek care only from HEFAMAA-accredited providers and to report any facility operating outside its licensed scope.
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This is too bad
Thorough investigations should be carried out