The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman identified simply as Mrs. Folajimi, who reportedly lost her life after being denied medical care at a private healthcare facility in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, due to her inability to make a financial deposit.
The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns over healthcare access, allegedly involved both a traditional birth attendant and a private hospital.
Initial findings suggest that Mrs. Folajimi was turned away despite being in critical condition, a decision that may have cost her life.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the entire health sector.
“No one should die during childbirth,” Abayomi stated, adding that the government is committed to uncovering the facts behind the incident and ensuring justice for the late Folajimi and her family.
A joint panel comprising officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has been set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the woman’s death.
The probe will examine the registration status of the facilities and individuals involved, their compliance with medical regulations, and any potential breaches of emergency care protocols.
The government reiterated that all health facilities in Lagos—whether public or private—are mandated to offer emergency care without delay or discrimination. Denying treatment in life-threatening situations due to lack of deposit, the Commissioner emphasized, is a gross violation of medical ethics and regulatory obligations.
Abayomi stressed that healthcare providers operating outside the bounds of the law would face serious consequences.
In an effort to prevent similar tragedies, the Lagos State Government also vowed to tighten regulations and oversight on nursing homes and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). Residents were urged to seek medical attention only from HEFAMAA-approved institutions and to report any facility practicing beyond its accredited scope.
“The Lagos State Government has reiterated that all healthcare facilities, public or private, must comply with HEFAMAA regulations, including accreditation and regular inspections. 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, emphasising 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,” Abayomi stated,.
Community leaders, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals have also been called upon to collaborate with the government in promoting maternal and child health across the state.
“The Lagos State Government calls on community leaders, religious organizations, and healthcare professionals to collaborate in promoting maternal and child health. The government is committed to justice for Mrs. Folajimi and her family, assuring that accountability for negligence and breach of duty will be pursued vigorously.
“In conclusion, the Lagos State Government extends its condolences to the Folajimi family and reaffirms its dedication to preventing similar tragedies in the future while fostering a safer healthcare environment for all residents,” Abayomi added.
Lagos Probes Death Of Pregnant Woman Denied Care is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
