As Salam Convalescent Centre, a private hospital in Iwerekun 1, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, has refuted claims that it demanded an upfront payment of ₦500,000 before attending to a pregnant woman, Kemi, who later died due to complications.
Kemi’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, alleged in a viral video that the hospital refused to treat his wife because he couldn’t immediately produce the money.
The video showed him emotionally pleading with Kemi, who appeared weak and unconscious inside a car.
According to Folajimi, the hospital turned them away and referred them to the General Hospital in Epe, but Kemi died en route.
He said, “The doctor asked for ₦500,000. I begged them to begin treatment while I looked for the money, but they rejected us.”
The video triggered public outrage, prompting demands for accountability from medical institutions.
However, hospital founder Rauf Salami denied the allegations in a phone interview with the Punch.
He explained that no financial discussion took place and said Kemi was not a registered patient.
She was reportedly brought in after suffering convulsions and needed urgent surgery and a blood transfusion, which the hospital could not provide.
“We referred her immediately to the General Hospital in Epe due to the severity of her condition,” Salami said.
“She spent only about three to four minutes at our facility.”
Salami maintained that the decision was purely medical, emphasizing that the hospital wasn’t equipped for such an emergency.
He added that making such referrals is standard when cases exceed their capabilities.
Despite the backlash, Salami expressed faith in the community’s support and stated he was considering legal action to clear the hospital’s name.
“I leave everything to God,” he concluded.
