Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos – April 5, 2025
The Lagos State Government has launched a full-scale investigation into the tragic death of Mrs. Folajimi, a pregnant woman who reportedly died after being denied urgent medical attention by a private health facility in Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki.
The incident, which has sparked widespread public outrage, allegedly involved the actions of a traditional birth attendant and a private hospital that refused treatment due to a lack of financial deposit.
Describing the incident as deeply saddening and unacceptable, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, expressed the government’s condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the entire health sector in the state.
“No woman should lose her life while giving life,” said Professor Abayomi, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the late Mrs. Folajimi and her grieving family.
In swift response to the incident, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has constituted a high-powered investigative panel to probe the circumstances surrounding the maternal death.
Preliminary findings suggest multiple actors, including an unregistered traditional birth attendant and the private hospital, are being scrutinized for potential breaches of medical care standards.
The panel’s investigation is focused on several key areas:
Verification of the facility and practitioners’ registration status with HEFAMAA
Compliance with medical and emergency protocols
Evaluation of the scope of practice exercised
Identification of negligence or regulatory violations
The government assures that any individual or institution found culpable will face the full weight of the law.
Reaffirming the state’s zero-tolerance stance, Professor Abayomi emphasized that all healthcare establishments, whether public or private, must be duly registered, accredited, and subject to regular oversight.
He further stressed that no patient—especially in emergency or life-threatening conditions—must ever be denied care due to financial constraints.
“Refusal to provide emergency medical assistance violates both ethical and legal standards. Any such breach will attract strict penalties,” the Commissioner stated.
Additionally, the Lagos State Government reiterated its ongoing commitment to strengthening regulatory enforcement across nursing homes, private health centers, and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) as part of a broader healthcare reform strategy.
Community members are encouraged to report unregistered or non-compliant facilities, and residents are urged to seek care only from approved medical providers.
The Commissioner called on community leaders, faith-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to join hands with the government in promoting maternal and child health awareness, thereby preventing future occurrences of such avoidable deaths.
In closing, the Lagos State Government extended heartfelt sympathy to the family of the deceased and vowed to ensure that justice is served.
This unfortunate incident, it assured, would serve as a catalyst for further action to create a safer, more accountable healthcare system for all residents.
INN-HOUSE☆ 