The VRA Hospital in Akosombo says,on average, it incurs a monthly indebtedness of over GH¢30,000 to GH¢40,000 due to patients’ inability to pay their medical bills.
The Social Welfare team regularly tries to pursue the defaulters to retrieve the debts but largely unsuccessful.
The situation continue to put strains on the finances of the hospital.
This was revealed in an intercepted memo explaining reasons for holding the 16 year old young mother and her new born after ceaseran section at the hospital.
The hospital explained that, the patient came from a Traditional Birth Attendance (TBA) centre, had an emergency cesarean section within hours of arrival to save her life and that of her baby.
According to the hospital, considering the condition of the patient, it did not request payment prior to providing this life-saving intervention.
The patient was discharged but held to mobilize funds within 48 hours before a decision is taken to refer her to Social Welfare team for assessment and further action.
“Typically, patients may require 48 hours to mobilize funds to settle their bills after discharge.Unfortunately, this scenario is not unique. We often have patients on our wards who struggle to settle their bills, despite our already low tariffs.
Currently, we have a baby who has had a major surgery, and the relatives are seeking assistance to cover the medical expenses”.
The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Thomas Ampem Nyarko on. Sunday January 12,2025 paid the medical bill for the 16 -year old mother and her newborn baby detained at VRA hospital in Akosombo over inability to pay medical bill of GHC 2,528.40
After media publications on the situation came to the attention of the MP ,he issued cheque for payment by a delegation led by Karim Awudu,his personal Assistant, Clement Amegaste ,NDC Constituency Secretary and Hajia Rashidatu, the Constituency Treasurer.
Subsequently some benevolent individual and NGOs have donated total of 7,500 for the upkeep of the young mother and new born in addition to baby essential items provided.
Edna Oliver Asare, CEO of Mawu Klenam Foundation, donated baby clothes,diapers, toiletries wash,bag of rice, box of tin milk and other essential items.
Phoebe Sherifa, CEO of Teenage Mother Care Foundation has assured to sponsor the teenage mother who dropped out of school at Class five to return to school or acquire a vocational skill.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
