How Upfront Deposits in Nigerian Hospitals Cost Live of a pregnant Woman"

This article discusses the Ministry of Health's and international human rights organizations' roles in addressing this systemic issue, as well as the legal, ethical, and regulatory issues surrounding hospital deposit requirements. It also calls for immediate reforms. Under Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution, the right to life includes the right to adequate medical care in times of need. However, violating this constitutional right is the practice of requiring deposit payments prior to providing treatment, particularly in life-threatening circumstances. Both public and private hospitals are required by law to provide immediate emergency care without conditions. 

Patients who suffer harm as a result of healthcare providers' negligence or unethical practices have the right to seek redress through Consumer Courts under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. It must be demonstrated that the healthcare provider's actions directly harmed the patient in order to establish negligence. Failure on the part of healthcare providers to uphold a reasonable standard of care can lead to legal repercussions, including civil liability. Criminal charges, such as manslaughter, may be brought against those responsible if the negligence is severe enough to demonstrate a careless disregard for life and safety. Medical negligence can be viewed in the case of Kemi's death as the refusal to provide medical care until the deposit was paid.

The family has the legal right to seek compensation for their loss under the principles of negligence and wrongful death because the hospital's delay resulted in the death of the patient. In addition, violations of professional conduct may result in sanctions being imposed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), which is in charge of regulating medical practice in Nigeria. These sanctions may include the revocation or suspension of medical licenses. However, there are concerns regarding the efficiency with which these regulations prevent such tragedies from occurring again. In times of emergency, healthcare providers have an ethical responsibility to prioritize the well-being of their patients. 

Doctors are obligated by the Hippocratic Oath to "do no harm" and to treat patients regardless of their financial situation. These ethical principles are directly at odds with the requirement of an upfront deposit prior to providing emergency care. In Kemi's case, the refusal to provide treatment until payment was received demonstrates a clear disregard for the patient's ethical and legal responsibilities to act in an emergency.

  Akinbobola Folajimi's husband pleaded with the hospital staff to begin treatment right away, but his request was turned down. He was instead told to get the deposit before anything could be done. Kemi's death was the devastating consequence of this delay. This practice not only undermines the ethics of medical care, but it also makes families more vulnerable, which already puts a lot of emotional and financial stress on them when an emergency occurs. Patients in Nigeria have the right to sue for medical negligence under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 and other legal mechanisms. The healthcare provider's failure to provide a reasonable standard of care directly harmed the patient is required to be shown in negligence claims.

 In the case of Kemi, the hospital failed to provide the necessary level of emergency care when it refused to treat her unless the deposit was paid. The law allows for financial losses, physical harm, and suffering as well as compensation for the negligence. A healthcare provider may be held liable for damages if their actions or omissions are found to be grossly negligent. In addition, criminal charges such as manslaughter may be brought against the responsible individuals or institutions in extreme instances of negligence that demonstrate a flagrant disregard for human life. 

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Ministry of Health must immediately investigate such practices and ensure that hospitals adhere to ethical and legal care standards. Patients who are already at the mercy of a fragile healthcare system would remain vulnerable if this wasn't done. Kemi's tragic passing highlights the urgent need for healthcare reform in Nigeria, particularly with regard to the practice of requiring upfront deposits for emergency medical care.

There are a few things that need to be done: Nigerian laws need to be changed so that hospitals can't ask for deposits before treating an emergency. To safeguard patients' rights to life-saving care without financial restrictions, clear legislation should be enacted. It is necessary to remind healthcare providers of their ethical responsibilities to provide prompt care, particularly in emergency situations. To ensure that patient welfare is prioritized, all healthcare workers should be required to receive ethical training. Hospitals and healthcare providers who are found to have been negligent should face severe penalties from regulatory bodies like the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). Reckless disregard for patient safety should result in license suspension, revocation, and, if necessary, criminal charges. Nigerians should be educated about their rights within the healthcare system through public awareness campaigns. In the event that they are denied care or suffer harm as a result of negligence, patients must be advised of their legal options. 

These reforms require the support of international human rights organizations. They can help push for changes in Nigerian healthcare laws and practices to prevent such preventable deaths because they are advocates for equitable access to healthcare. The fact that the hospital insisted on requiring a deposit of 500,000 naira resulted in Kemi's loss highlights the systemic issues that exist within Nigeria's healthcare system, particularly in private hospitals. A patient shouldn't be turned away from a life-threatening situation because they can't pay. Regardless of financial constraints, the Ministry of Health and regulatory bodies of the Nigerian government must act quickly to ensure that emergency care is provided immediately. A movement toward a healthcare system that upholds the principles of justice, fairness, and compassion must be sparked by Kemi and her family's tragic ordeal. Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, as advocates for human rights around the world have repeatedly emphasized. 

In situations where life or death is at stake, no one should be denied medical treatment due to financial constraints. Nigeria must now implement the necessary ethical and legal reforms to stop such heartbreaking incidents from occurring again. Profiles International is founded by human rights advocate, journalist, and professional writer Daniel Okonkwo, who is dedicated to ensuring that all Nigerians have equal access to healthcare.