”What if she died” husband cries out after Being denied help at Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital yola.

In what can only be described as a heartbreaking and outrageous encounter, a Nigerian man has taken to social media to share video  expose the trauma he and his wife endured at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, following an alleged attempt by a staff member to deny them critical access to life-saving medical care—all while his pregnant wife was due for a caesarean section.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Joseph Dimas, whose wife is a duly registered beneficiary under his National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) plan, rushed her to the hospital for a scheduled caesarean section. But rather than being met with compassion and urgency, the couple was reportedly met with resistance and rejection.

According to Dimas, a staff member identified only as Mr. Jauro, stationed at the NHIA medical record office, outright refused to assist them with processing the necessary access. Despite presenting  their NHIA code and stating that their primary provider is Dama’a Specialist Hospital (with MAUTH as their designated secondary facility), Jauro allegedly denied them the right to proceed with medical care.

“He told me clearly that I was not going to have access to the hospital,” Joseph said in his formal letter of complaint.

Left in a desperate position, Joseph had to contact his Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), who then issued a temporary code to help them proceed—but without any support from the hospital’s NHIA desk. What should have been a routine verification process instead became a traumatic and high-stakes ordeal at a moment when time, comfort, and reassurance were critical.

When Joseph returned to the hospital the next day, May 22, to complete a routine blood group matching test, he was again faced with shocking hostility. Standing once more at the NHIA desk, he claims Jauro looked at him and said without remorse:

“If you are the one, I am not going to attend to you.”

Let that sink in: a public healthcare officer at a federal teaching hospital refused to serve a citizen seeking medical assistance—not once, but twice.

In a bid to document the injustice, Joseph captured part of the incident on video and has stated publicly that he is willing to share it with authorities to support a formal investigation. The footage, he says, is a testament to the unprofessionalism, discrimination, and abuse of office that unfolded at the hands of someone trusted with facilitating healthcare.

video link  https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DysKpYcwH/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Joseph Dimas video

Joseph has since submitted a formal complaint to both the hospital and the NHIA, demanding a full investigation and disciplinary action against the said staff. He has also warned that if the matter is not addressed adequately, he will be forced to escalate through legal action.

“I am not okay with this. I have decided to formally report this issue to your office with the hope that it will be addressed appropriately. However, if no meaningful action is taken, I will be compelled to escalate the matter by involving my legal counsel,” he wrote.

 

A Bigger Question: How Many More Have Suffered in Silence?

Joseph’s story isn’t just about him. It’s about every mother who has waited in pain. Every father left helpless. Every Nigerian who has been failed by a system that should protect them.

Healthcare is not a privilege—it is a basic human right. And when public servants entrusted with this duty turn that right into a weapon of power, the consequences are life-altering.

We call on Modibbo Adama Teaching Hospital, NHIA, and all relevant authorities to investigate this matter transparently and urgently.
This is not just about policy—it’s about humanity.

Modibbo Adama Hospital

If you have faced similar treatment in a healthcare facility, speak out. One voice might be dismissed, but many voices together cannot be ignored.

#JusticeForJoseph #HealthcareIsARight #AccountabilityInHealthcare

Stay tuned as we follow up on this developing story.