Pregnant Woman Dies in Katsina Hospital After Delay Over Payment for Emergency Oxygen

A pregnant woman has reportedly died at a hospital in Katsina State after medical staff delayed providing her with emergency oxygen because of a payment issue. The woman was said to be in critical condition when relatives rushed her to the facility seeking urgent care.

Witnesses claimed that hospital workers insisted on receiving payment through a bank transfer before releasing the oxygen needed to stabilize her. Despite repeated pleas from family members and evidence that the transfer was being processed, treatment was allegedly withheld while staff waited for the payment alert to reflect.

As minutes passed, the woman’s condition reportedly worsened. By the time the payment confirmation was finally acknowledged, it was said that she had already lost consciousness and later died, leaving her relatives devastated.

The incident has sparked widespread public anger and renewed debate over the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers, particularly in emergency cases where delays can mean the difference between life and death. Many Nigerians are calling for stricter enforcement of policies that require hospitals to provide urgent medical care regardless of upfront payment.