From Moshood Karim
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has intervened in a humanitarian case at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), settling the medical bills of a family reportedly detained for over two weeks due to their inability to pay hospital charges.
The affected family, led by Mr Innocent Akpan, had been unable to secure the discharge of his wife, Mercy Bassey, and their newborn child following delivery. The prolonged stay at the hospital attracted public attention, prompting the governor’s swift response.
In a compassionate gesture reflecting his administration’s pro-people stance, Governor Okpebholo, through his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Dr Precious Ogboru, and Executive Assistant, Mr James Iorkusah, visited UBTH on Friday to settle the outstanding fees and facilitate the family’s immediate release.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Ogboru reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to the health and welfare of its citizens, particularly the underprivileged. “This intervention aligns with the SHINE transformational agenda of the present administration,” he said. “The governor, upon hearing about this case, instructed that the medical bills be cleared first thing this morning. This gesture reflects the compassionate leadership that defines Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration.”
According to Ogboru, the administration is finalising plans to launch a comprehensive health intervention scheme aimed at supporting indigent families across the state. He disclosed that, although the official rollout is forthcoming, some beneficiaries are already receiving assistance under the initiative.
An emotional Mr Akpan expressed profound gratitude to the governor. “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,” he said. “Today, thanks to the generosity of the governor, we are going home free. God bless him.”
Also commending the governor’s action, Dr Joshua Uwaila, Head of Public Relations and Protocol at UBTH, described the intervention as “a true demonstration of compassion and responsive leadership.”
The State government’s intervention comes amid broader efforts by the Okpebholo administration to improve access to healthcare and alleviate the burden of medical expenses on vulnerable residents. As part of his SHINE agenda, the governor has pledged to expand medical outreach and financial support to ensure no citizen is left behind due to economic hardship.
Observers see the move as a strong signal of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and social equity, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
