Rivers Health Commissioner Rescues Baby, Grandma from Year-Long Hospital Jail Over ₦6M Bill

Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has intervened to secure the release of a year-old baby and his grandmother from detention by Meridien Hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The baby and his grandmother have been detained by the hospital management for over a year over a ₦6 million delivery bill after his mother died from postpartum hemorrhage.

Reports say the family was able to gather up to ₦1.4 million but could not meet up to pay the balance, prompting the facility to detain the baby and the elderly woman as collateral.

But responding to several pleas on social media, Dr. Oreh swiftly intervened and secured the baby and his grandmother’s release.

Members of the public who reacted to the Commissioner’s action have praised her for demonstrated humanity and grace in public service.