The Rivers State Government has intervened in a shocking case where a hospital in Port Harcourt allegedly detained a baby and her grandmother for one year over unpaid medical bills following the death of the baby’s mother during childbirth.
The incident reportedly occurred after the mother, who was said to be pregnant, died while giving birth at the hospital. Following her death, the hospital allegedly refused to release the newborn and the child’s grandmother until the family cleared the accumulated bills.
According to reports, the family’s inability to settle the hospital fees led to their prolonged detention, sparking outrage among residents and human rights groups.
Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, confirmed the government’s intervention, assuring that the situation had been resolved and that the child and grandmother have been reunited with their family.
She described the incident as “inhumane and unacceptable,” warning that the state government would not tolerate any health institution engaging in such practices.
Dr. Oreh further stated that the Ministry of Health is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and will ensure that justice is served.
