The intervention of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has brought relief to the family of one Mr. and Mrs. Innocent Akpan who suffered over two weeks detention at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, over their inability to settle their medical bills after discharge following the birth of their baby.
The state government, however, came to their rescue after it became aware of their plight. The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Precious Ogboru, and Executive Assistant, James Iorkusah, visited the mother and her newborn at their UBTH ward and got them discharged.
Governor Okpebholo emphasised the state government’s commitment to the health and welfare of its citizens, especially the vulnerable ones.
Reiterating his administration’s premium on the well-being of the people, the governor promised that health intervention programmes will soon be launched across the state to support indigent residents facing similar challenges.
According to Ogboru, “This intervention aligns with the SHINE transformational agenda of the present administration. The governor, upon learning about the case, immediately instructed us to ensure the medical bills were paid first thing this morning. This gesture reflects the compassionate leadership that defines Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration.”
While further revealing that plans were underway to roll out a comprehensive, state-wide health support initiative targeting indigent citizens, Ogboru said some beneficiaries were already being attended to even ahead of the formal launch.
The relieved family expressed deep appreciation to the governor for his timely intervention. According to Akpan, his wife, Mercy Bassey, and their newborn had been detained for over two weeks due to unpaid medical bills.
He said “I am overwhelmed with joy. For the past two weeks, my wife and baby have been held here because we couldn’t afford the hospital fees. Today, thanks to the generosity of the governor, we are going home free. God bless him.”
Dr. Joshua Uwaila, Head of Public Relations and Protocol at UBTH, also commended the governor’s prompt action, describing it as a true demonstration of compassion and responsive leadership.