Pregnant woman passes away in Katsina after a healthcare provider reportedly declined to receive a bank transfer
This tragic occurrence took place on Monday, December 1, after the injured woman arrived at the hospital in dire need of immediate oxygen assistance.
An observer informed Channels Television on Friday, December 5, that the cashier present refused to provide a receipt or process the payment since the deceased lacked cash, as per the hospital’s internal policy forbidding transfers.
A man who tried to step in is said to have urged the cashier to accept a transfer so the woman could receive treatment, yet the cashier allegedly held firm to the hospital’s policy that prohibits payment via bank transfers.
The witness shared that, out of compassion, he offered to cover a supplemental fee, later presenting a $100 note for the payment, but the cashier still rejected it.
He described the situation as “profoundly distressing,” mentioning that the woman cried out for assistance until she succumbed around 11:30 p.m.
When contacted, the administration of Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hospital stated that they had not received any formal complaints from the public regarding the matter, other than from a human rights organization, IHRAAC.
Hospital representative Cashier Aminu Kofar-Bai conveyed sincere condolences to the deceased woman’s family and promised that management would investigate any employees found negligent.
However, officials from the hospital defended their payment policy, asserting that the Katsina State Government’s TSA regulations prevent accepting transfers into personal accounts.
They added that the hospital lacks POS machines and relies strictly on cash transactions. They also expressed concern over a shortage of medical oxygen, which they often acquire from Daura LGA.
The Head of Pharmacy in the hospital, Usman Salisu Wada, acknowledged the limited oxygen supply but noted that the staff member “might have been overly strict” with policy out of concern for being accused of misconduct.
Wada explained that in situations where the hospital aided distressed patients, many subsequently failed to settle their bills.