Hospital detains girl for unsettled bill of 15,000

A teenager, Jenefe Osedei, 15, who was knocked down by a hit-and-run vehicle on her way to the farm in April, had her left leg amputated.

After treatment, she incurred a bill of N15,000, which the parents could not pay and she was detained by the hospital.

The Chairman of Owan West Local Government, Mr. Godwin Aigbodion, described the incarceration of Jenefe, an SS1 pupil of Trinity Grammar School, Uhunmora, by the management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, for inability to pay medical bill, as inhuman.

He urged the Federal Government to put in place health policies that would be beneficial to the citizens.
The council boss visited the hospital and paid the girl’s bill.

He frowned at the attitude of health institutions to the plight of the citizens, saying people should enjoy free health services.

Mr. Agbodion said the welfare of the residents of Owan West Local Government is paramount to his administration and instructed the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Mr. Enahoro Aikpokpo, to see to the needs of Jenefe and integrate her into the society.

The Nation