A non-public clinic in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, is below public scrutiny following allegations that it refused to treat a pregnant girl because of her husband’s incapacity to fabricate an upfront fee of ₦500,000.
The girl, acknowledged as Kemi, later died on the contrivance to 1 other facility.
In a video that fleet went viral, Kemi’s husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, emotionally recounted how he pleaded with workers at As Salam Convalescent Centre to birth treating his spouse while he tried to source the funds. The video reveals a visibly distressed Kemi seated in a automobile as her husband attempted to attach her unsleeping.
Folajimi claimed the clinic rejected them and directed them to Epe Frequent Health center, nonetheless Kemi passed away sooner than they arrived.
“The doctor told me to deposit ₦500,000. I begged him to birth therapy while I got the money, nonetheless they drove us out like we didn’t subject,” he said.
“The doctor told me to deposit 500k, and I begged him to start doing whatever is needed to save my wife. We needed emergency support while I run around for the money, but they drove us out like they didn’t care pic.twitter.com/G3DvbcEsLJ
— Engr Checo✨ (@engrcheco) April 3, 2025
Hospital Responds: No Payment Was Requested
In response to the public backlash, Dr. Rauf Salami, founder of As Salam Convalescent Centre, denied the allegations. Speaking to PUNCH on Thursday, he stated that no payment was requested, and the patient was immediately referred to a better-equipped government facility.
“A pregnant woman was brought in, and my colleague reported that she had already convulsed twice before arriving. We quickly examined her and saw that she needed an emergency blood transfusion and surgery, which we could not provide. She was referred immediately to Epe General Hospital,” Salami explained.
According to him, Kemi had never been registered at the hospital and had no medical history on file.
“They didn’t even spend more than four minutes here. We didn’t transfer her from the wheelchair she came in with. We acted swiftly and never asked for money.”
Emotional Toll and Clarification
Dr. Salami expressed deep frustration over the viral accusations, saying the situation had taken an emotional toll on him.
“The backlash has been overwhelming. Some people have advised me to sue. I have my evidence, but I leave it to God,” he said.
He further explained that treating Kemi without access to blood or surgical equipment could have worsened her condition.
“If we had given her even a drip, she could have died right there. There was no blood in her system, and blood cannot just be collected over the counter. We acted in her best interest.”
Questions Spherical Antenatal Care
The clinic also questioned whether or not Kemi had been receiving routine antenatal care for the length of her pregnancy.
“I don’t think she became registered anyplace. If she had been attending antenatal care, her situation could perhaps want been better managed,” Salami said.
Despite the ongoing criticism, Salami said he hopes the truth will come to gentle by the attend of sufferers who know his work.
“I am a Muslim, and in complicated moments, we are asserting: ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un’ — to God we belong, and to Him we return,” he said.
