Aisha Najamu reportedly lost her life at Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital after a cashier insisted on cash-only payment, sparking outrage and calls for investigation.
A tragic incident has stirred outrage in Katsina State after a pregnant woman, identified as Aisha Najamu, died at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital following an alleged refusal by a health worker to accept a bank transfer for emergency oxygen.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 1, when Aisha arrived at the facility in critical condition and urgently needed oxygen support. According to an eyewitness who spoke to Channels Television, the cashier on duty allegedly declined to process her payment or issue a receipt because she did not have cash “in line with the hospital’s no-transfer policy.”
A bystander who attempted to intervene reportedly begged the cashier to accept a bank transfer so the woman could be treated, but the request was allegedly turned down. The witness added that he even offered to pay an additional fee and later presented a $100 bill to cover costs, yet the cashier still refused due to policy restrictions.
Describing the scene as “deeply distressing,” the eyewitness said the woman cried desperately for help until she died around 11:30 p.m.
When contacted, the hospital management said they had not received any formal complaint apart from one submitted by a human-rights organization, IHRAAC. Cashier Aminu Kofar-Bai expressed condolences to the family and assured that the hospital would visit them and investigate any staff found negligent.
Hospital officials defended their payment policy, stating that Katsina State Government’s TSA guidelines prohibit receiving transfers into personal accounts. They also noted the absence of POS machines and a persistent shortage of medical oxygen, which they often source from Daura LGA.
The Head of Pharmacy, Usman Salisu Wada, acknowledged the facility’s limited oxygen supply but said the staff member “may have over-adhered” to the payment policy out of fear of being accused of misconduct. He added that some patients previously treated on trust later failed to settle their bills.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many Nigerians calling for accountability, a review of hospital payment policies, and urgent reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
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