Okpebholo offsets medical bill of family detained by hospital

By Dennies Says

“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,” Mr. Innocent Akpan said in excitement after Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, came to the aid of his family who have been detained at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) over their inability to pay medical bills on Friday. According to Akpan, his wife, Mercy Bassy, and their newborn had been detained for over two weeks due to unpaid medical bills.

Okpebholo represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Precious Ogboru, and Executive Assistant, James Iorkusah, visited Akpan’s wife and her newborn at UBTH to settle the outstanding charges and facilitating their discharge.

“Today, thanks to the generosity of the governor, we are going home free. God bless him,” Akpan said while expressing deep appreciation to the governor for the timely intervention.

Speaking after the intervention Okpebholo emphasized the state government’s commitment to the health and welfare of its citizens, especially the vulnerable.

He reiterated that his administration places a premium on the well-being of Edo people, promising that health intervention programmes will soon be launched across the state to support indigent residents facing similar challenges.

“This intervention aligns with the SHINE transformational agenda of the present administration,” said Ogboru.

“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.”

He further revealed that plans are underway to roll out a comprehensive, state-wide health support initiative targeting indigent citizens, adding that some beneficiaries are already being attended to even ahead of the formal launch.

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.