By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
A young lady, Mrs Chinenye Agu, has been detained by the management of Ifechukwu Hospital, Umuoji, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra state.
The woman who hails from Ezeagu in Enugu state but lives in Afor-Nkpor in Idemili North Council Area was delivered of a baby girl through caesarian section at the Hospital, in May this year.
It was gathered that since then, Mrs Agu who was not able to pay the sum of N458,000 bill was detained by the hospital, alongside her baby.
Mrs Agu who spoke to journalists is soliciting financial assistance from good spirited individuals and philanthropists to enable her take her baby home.
A public message which was sent to our correspondent stated: “Those touched by Mrs Chinenye Agu’s plight should donate to the account no Zenith Bank, 6231470950 – Agu Chinenye Veronica, or contact her with the no – 07064420989.”
Mrs Agu who spoke to our correspondent said her family has pleaded with the hospital Management to let her go, and to be making payment by instalment to them until the debt is defrayed, but they have refused.
Meanwhile, some public commentators have condemned the decision of the hospital Management to detain the woman and her baby.
Mr Christian Arinze, a lawyer said: “I don’t know which law permits a hospital to detain its patient over non payment of hospital bill. This is totally unfair.”
Our correspondent called a doctor in the Hospital, Dr Tobechukwu Ossai to react on the decision to detain the woman and her baby, but calls to his phone line was not taken as at the time of filing this report.
