Lagos State Launches Investigation into Death of Pregnant Woman Denied Emergency Care

The Lagos State Government has pledged to ensure accountability in the heartbreaking and deeply troubling death of Mrs. Folajimi, a pregnant woman who tragically lost her life after being refused emergency treatment at a private hospital in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki.

According to PUNCH Online, the hospital denied Mrs. Folajimi care due to her inability to provide an upfront financial deposit, leaving both her and her unborn child in a life-threatening situation.

In response to the incident, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, announced on Saturday in Ikeja that an immediate investigation has been launched to uncover the full details surrounding her death.

The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has formed a dedicated panel to probe the circumstances, assess potential medical negligence, and evaluate whether healthcare regulations were violated.

Preliminary findings suggest that both a private hospital and a traditional birth attendant were involved. Interviews with key individuals connected to the case are already underway.

Professor Abayomi stated that the investigation will determine whether both facilities were properly registered with HEFAMAA, if they followed approved medical procedures, and whether emergency protocols were applied correctly.

“The government will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or institution found culpable,” Abayomi affirmed.

He reiterated the need for all healthcare providers, public or private, to strictly comply with HEFAMAA’s accreditation and inspection requirements. The public has also been encouraged to report any medical facility operating without proper registration or exceeding its authorized capacity.

“We are strengthening our regulatory oversight to ensure that every healthcare facility in Lagos meets the highest standards of patient care,” he added.

Professor Abayomi also urged community leaders, religious organizations, and medical professionals to join in promoting maternal and child health and to work together to prevent such tragedies in the future.

“Our commitment is to ensure justice for Mrs. Folajimi and her family,” he concluded.