A human rights defender in Imo State, Chidiebube Okeoma, has successfully secured the release of twin boys who were held by a doctor due to their mother’s unpaid medical bills.
The twins were born on May 4, 2024, but their mother was unable to pay the delivery fees, which resulted in the doctor refusing to release them.
Okeoma revealed the news during a statement made in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, on Saturday.
He praised the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, for his professional and fatherly intervention.
The police chief’s involvement was crucial in ensuring that the twin boys finally went home to their mother.
Okeoma emphasized that the doctor insisted on holding the babies despite the violation of their fundamental human rights.
“This situation should never have happened,” Okeoma stated.
He mentioned that he was not the first person to attempt to retrieve the twins and their 19-year-old mother from the hospital.
Previous attempts to negotiate their release were unsuccessful, as the doctor continually raised the delivery charges to deter others.
In a pivotal meeting, the doctor allegedly joked about exchanging the babies for the delivery bill.
This admission was made in the presence of Okeoma and the police chief.
Okeoma called the doctor’s actions unacceptable and urged authorities to take action.
“We cannot allow medical professionals to hold lives hostage for money,” he declared.
With the release of the twins, Okeoma’s team was also able to provide essential items for the mother and her babies.
They were able to deliver food, diapers, and a cash donation of N100,000 to help the struggling family.
“I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this cause,” Okeoma said.
He also appealed to the police chief to charge the doctor with hostage-taking and violating medical ethics.
Okeoma’s advocacy work has shed light on the troubling trend of hospitals demanding payment before discharging patients.
This situation has raised concerns about the rights of mothers and children in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The activist stated that the doctor’s actions not only harmed the family but also violated the very ethics of medical practice.
“Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege,” he insisted.
Okeoma’s call for an investigation into the doctor’s conduct has sparked a conversation about the responsibilities of medical facilities.
Many citizens have expressed outrage at the situation, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
A local resident shared, “It is heartbreaking to see how money can overshadow the lives of innocent children.”
Others have echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of compassion in healthcare.
“This is a human issue, not just a financial one,” another activist remarked.
The incident has raised questions about the accessibility of healthcare services in Nigeria.
In many cases, families are left struggling to pay medical bills after unexpected emergencies.
As a result, people often face the difficult choice of either compromising their health or risking their financial stability.
Okeoma’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for better healthcare policies in Nigeria.
He urged the government to establish systems that protect the rights of patients, particularly vulnerable populations like mothers and newborns.
“Everyone deserves access to healthcare without the fear of being held hostage,” he said.
This situation is not unique to Imo State, as many families across Nigeria face similar challenges in accessing medical care.
In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the need for health insurance and more affordable healthcare options.
“Health insurance could prevent these types of incidents from happening,” a community leader stated.
The community has rallied around Okeoma, applauding his efforts to fight for justice.
Many see him as a beacon of hope for those who feel powerless against the system.
“Activists like Okeoma are vital for our society,” a supporter commented. “They bring attention to issues that many would prefer to ignore.”
The struggle for equitable healthcare continues as activists push for reforms that prioritize the well-being of all citizens.
With growing support from the community, Okeoma remains determined to advocate for those in need.
He calls on everyone to stand against injustice and ensure that no child is denied their rights due to financial constraints.
“This fight is far from over,” Okeoma declared. “We must work together to protect the rights of the vulnerable.”
