Olusegun Ariyo
The Lagos State Government has commenced a full-scale investigation into the tragic death of a pregnant woman, identified as Mrs Folajimi, who reportedly died after being refused medical attention at a private facility in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, allegedly due to her inability to pay a financial deposit.
The incident, believed to involve both a private hospital and a traditional birth attendant, has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny over the accessibility of emergency healthcare services in the state.
Preliminary reports suggest that despite being in critical condition, the expectant mother was denied urgent medical care, a delay that may have proved fatal.
In a statement released on Saturday, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, expressed profound sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the grieving family on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state’s healthcare 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 this end, a joint investigative panel has been constituted, comprising officials from the Ministry of Health and the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).
The panel will examine the registration status of the implicated facilities and individuals, their adherence to regulatory guidelines, and any breaches of emergency care protocols.
The commissioner reaffirmed that all health facilities operating in Lagos, whether public or private are legally required to provide emergency medical services without prejudice or delay. Denial of care 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,” Abayomi stated.
To prevent future occurrences, the state government pledged to enhance the oversight of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and private health establishments, particularly unregistered nursing homes.
Residents were encouraged to seek treatment only from HEFAMAA-accredited providers and report facilities operating outside their licensed scope
