A recent report detailed how a newborn child in Osun State has been unable to leave a private hospital due to outstanding medical costs, with the bill reportedly exceeding N700,000 following treatment after birth. The mother, 21-year-old Iqmat Yinusa, and her family say the baby has spent more than three months in the facility since being admitted shortly after delivery because they could not settle the balance of the medical expenses. The infant’s restricted access to family and uncertainty over discharge have drawn public concern.
In response, Patients Trauma Relief and Rights Advocacy Initiative (PATRRAI) issued a statement condemning the alleged detention of the newborn and calling for immediate humane resolution. PATRRAI emphasized that no patient, especially a newborn, should be prevented from returning home due to inability to pay medical bills, highlighting this as a violation of basic patient rights. The organisation reiterated its commitment to legal support for victims of medical abuse, advocacy for policy reform to end such practices, and urgent relief interventions for families in dire situations. PATRRAI also encouraged well-meaning Nigerians and partners to support efforts to settle outstanding bills and to push for systemic change that protects vulnerable patients from similar ordeals.
(Sources: Patrrai Media Coverage on AriseAfrika.com, Nigerianeyenewspaper.com.)
For more information and inquiries, contact:
The Secretary,
The Patients Trauma Relief and Rights Advocacy Initiative (PATRRAi)
info@patrrai.org
