By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has come to the aid of a family reportedly detained at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) over their inability to pay medical bills, settling the outstanding charges and facilitating their discharge.
The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Health Matters, Precious Ogboru, and Executive Assistant, James Iorkusah, visited the mother and her newborn at UBTH and emphasized the state government’s commitment to the health and welfare of its citizens, especially the vulnerable.
Governor Okpebholo 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.
The affected family, led by Mr. Innocent Akpan, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the timely intervention. According to Akpan, his wife, Mercy Bassy, and their newborn had been detained for over two weeks due to unpaid medical bills.
“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,” he said. “Today, thanks to the generosity of the governor, we are going home free. God bless him.”
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.
