A pregnant woman, Aisha Najamu, has died at the Turai Umaru Musa Yar’adua Maternity and Children Hospital in Katsina after a health worker allegedly refused to accept a bank transfer for oxygen payment, insisting on cash only.

Witnesses said she arrived in critical condition and needed oxygen urgently. A cashier reportedly declined to receive a transfer or issue a receipt because the hospital’s policy allows only cash payments.

According to reports, a man who tried to help pleaded with the cashier to accept a transfer, and another witness even offered extra money and, later, a $100 note, but the cashier still refused. The woman cried for help until she died around 11:30 p.m.

Hospital management said they have not received a formal complaint except through a human rights organisation.

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Cashier Aminu Kofar-Bai, a representative of the hospital expressed condolences and promised an investigation.

Officials defended the cash-only rule, saying government TSA guidelines forbid transfers into personal accounts and the hospital lacks POS machines. They also cited a shortage of medical oxygen.

The Head of Pharmacy admitted the staff member may have been overly strict with policy out of fear of misconduct accusations, adding that some patients fail to pay after receiving emergency help.

Source: Channels