A personal hospital in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is underneath public scrutiny following allegations that it refused to deal with a pregnant lady attributable to her husband’s incapacity to make an upfront fee of ₦500,000.

The lady, recognized as Kemi, later died on the best way to a different facility.

In a video that shortly went viral, Kemi’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, emotionally recounted how he pleaded with employees at As Salam Convalescent Centre to start treating his spouse whereas he tried to supply the funds. The video exhibits a visibly distressed Kemi seated in a automobile as her husband tried to maintain her acutely aware.

Folajimi claimed the hospital rejected them and directed them to Epe Normal Hospital, however Kemi handed away earlier than they arrived.
“The physician instructed me to deposit ₦500,000. I begged him to begin therapy whereas I obtained the cash, however they drove us out like we didn’t matter,” he stated.

Hospital Responds: No Fee Was Requested

In response to the general public backlash, Dr. Rauf Salami, founding father of As Salam Convalescent Centre, denied the allegations. Chatting with PUNCH on Thursday, he said that no fee was requested, and the affected person was instantly referred to a better-equipped authorities facility.

“A pregnant lady was introduced in, and my colleague reported that she had already convulsed twice earlier than arriving. We shortly examined her and noticed that she wanted an emergency blood transfusion and surgical procedure, which we couldn’t present. She was referred instantly to Epe Normal Hospital,” Salami defined.

In response to him, Kemi had by no means been registered on the hospital and had no medical historical past on file.
“They didn’t even spend greater than 4 minutes right here. We didn’t switch her from the wheelchair she got here in with. We acted swiftly and by no means requested for cash.”

Emotional Toll and Clarification

Dr. Salami expressed deep frustration over the viral accusations, saying the state of affairs had taken an emotional toll on him.
“The backlash has been overwhelming. Some folks have suggested me to sue. I’ve my proof, however I go away it to God,” he stated.

He additional defined that treating Kemi with out entry to blood or surgical gear may have worsened her situation.
“If we had given her even a drip, she may have died proper there. There was no blood in her system, and blood can’t simply be collected over-the-counter. We acted in her finest curiosity.”

Questions Round Antenatal Care

The hospital additionally questioned whether or not Kemi had been receiving routine antenatal care throughout her being pregnant.
“I don’t suppose she was registered anyplace. If she had been attending antenatal care, her situation might need been higher managed,” Salami stated.

Regardless of the continuing criticism, Salami stated he hopes the reality will come to gentle via the assist of sufferers who know his work.
“I’m a Muslim, and in troublesome moments, we are saying: ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’ — to God we belong, and to Him we return,” he stated.