The Lagos State Government on Saturday appointed a joint panel to investigate 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.
Recall, Akinbobola Folajimi, in a viral video, accused the hospital of refusing to provide medical treatment to his wife due to his inability to make the upfront payment. In the video, Folajimi is seen desperately trying to keep his wife conscious as she lay weak inside a car.
“My goodness, Kemi, look at me. Stay strong; look at me. Think about your kids, please. You need to be very strong for me,” Folajimi says emotionally in the clip.
In a follow-up post, Folajimi recounted that after being turned away, the hospital referred them to the General Hospital in Epe—a distance he said was too far for his wife’s critical condition. She reportedly passed away en route.
Reacting to the development, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, expressed sadness 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.
He added that 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 statement reads:“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.