From Staff Writer
A storm of criticism has erupted over the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) following the continued detention of a mother and her newborn baby due to unpaid medical bills — a practice many have condemned as a violation of human rights.
The incident involves Umoru Imokha Abdulahi, a sawmill labourer from Agenebode, Edo State, whose wife delivered their first child via Caesarean section at UBTH on 20 March 2025. Despite managing to pay ₦200,000 of the ₦380,000 billed by the hospital, Abdulahi claims his inability to clear the balance has led to the hospital refusing to release his wife and child for more than three weeks.
The outstanding amount, initially ₦180,000, reportedly ballooned to ₦330,000 after UBTH added a ₦10,000 daily surcharge for the additional days spent post-discharge, covering accommodation and food.
“I went out to find help. By the time I returned, I couldn’t even afford the initial balance. Now the bill is even higher. My wife and baby are still there. It’s been over three weeks. I’ve not even been able to name my daughter,” Abdulahi lamented in an emotional appeal.
He has since turned to the public, appealing to well-meaning Nigerians and Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to intervene. His family’s ordeal has sparked widespread outrage, both online and within the local community, with many accusing the hospital of prioritising payment over patient welfare.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Uwaila Joshua, defended the hospital’s policy, noting that the institution is federally run and audited, with strict financial protocols in place. He added that Abdulahi could have provided a guarantor to negotiate the release of his wife and child — a route he says was not explored.
Still, critics argue that no mother and newborn should be held against their will for financial reasons, especially in a public hospital. Advocacy groups have pointed to longstanding issues in Nigeria’s healthcare system, where patients are frequently detained over unpaid bills, despite federal government condemnation of the practice.
A global study conducted in 2019 identified this troubling trend in at least 46 countries, with Nigeria among the nations most cited. Health experts warn that the detention of vulnerable patients — particularly postnatal mothers and infants — poses grave risks to both mental and physical well-being.
“This isn’t just a health issue; it’s a human rights crisis,” said one civil society advocate. “Detaining a mother and newborn over money undermines our humanity and the essence of medical care.”
There have been renewed calls for urgent reform, including improved health insurance coverage and government intervention funds to support low-income families during medical emergencies.
For now, Abdulahi continues to wait, his pleas for help unanswered — while his wife and daughter remain confined to Bed 17, M1 Maternity Ward, in UBTH.
To assist the family, donations can be made to Abdulahi’s Polaris Bank account: 3053131049. He can also be reached on 09166956146.
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