Mother and triplets detained in a hospital in Delta over medical bill

A new mother and her newborn triplets were detained in a private hospital in Asaba, Delta State for 7 weeks after failing to pay about N725k medical bill.

The mother, Mrs Echenim, said she was barred from leaving her room from when she gave birth in July till early September because of her family's inability to pay the bills. The triplets’ father, Godswill Echenim, said he took his wife to the clinic because of the prolonged strike by doctors in public hospital.

"For about 7 weeks, since the kids were delivered, we have been in this hospital. I had registered my wife for ante-natal at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, but because of the strike by doctors, I brought her here for the delivery." He said last week. Continue

“The kids were delivered through caesarean section and were taken to the incubator where they spent over one month before their discharge. Now, the bill has come up to N723,100.00 and still running because we are still here."

Echenim, a fashion designer from Owa-Alero in Ika North East LGA of the state, said the triplets were his first set of children since he got married over five years ago. He also said that his wife had remained jobless after graduating from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo State.