Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Aisha Najamu, a pregnant woman, tragically died at Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital in Katsina after hospital staff reportedly refused to accept a bank transfer to pay for urgently needed oxygen, insisting on cash payment only.
According to witnesses, Aisha arrived at the hospital in critical condition, requiring immediate oxygen support. However, the cashier on duty declined to process the payment via bank transfer, citing hospital policy that prohibits transfers into personal accounts. A man who attempted to intervene even offered an additional fee and later presented a $100 note, but the staff still refused, leaving Aisha untreated. She reportedly cried for help until her death around 11:30 p.m.
Hospital management, represented by cashier Aminu Ibrahim Kofar Bai, expressed condolences and said the incident would be investigated. They defended the payment policy, explaining that the Katsina State Government’s TSA guidelines prevent accepting transfers into personal accounts. The hospital also cited the absence of POS machines and a shortage of medical oxygen, which is often procured from Daura.
Perm Usman Salisu Wada, Head of Pharmacy at the hospital, admitted that oxygen supply is limited and suggested staff “may have over-adhered” to policy out of fear of being accused of misconduct.
This incident is not isolated. Residents, including Rabi’u Yakubu, have reported similar cases of neglect, such as delays in administering blood transfusions, sometimes resulting in the wastage of critical medical supplies. Sources say the hospital’s chronic understaffing—“almost two-thirds of the personnel are casual workers earning only ten thousand naira”—compounds the risk of negligence.
Healthcare experts say these incidents highlight systemic failures in Katsina State’s medical facilities, where rigid adherence to internal policies, understaffing, and resource shortages leave patients vulnerable, especially in emergency situations. Public frustration continues to mount as families experience preventable tragedies.
Stone Reporterscobserved that the death of Aisha Najamu underscores the urgent need for the Katsina State Government to modernize hospital payment systems, ensure sufficient emergency medical resources, and address staffing challenges. Without meaningful reforms, similar tragedies are likely to continue, eroding public trust in healthcare institutions.
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