The VRA Hospital in Akosombo says on average, it incurs a monthly indebtedness of over GH¢30,000 to GH¢40,000 due to patients inability to pay their medical bills.
The Social Welfare team regularly tries to pursue the defaulters to retrieve the debts but is largely unsuccessful.
The situation continues to put strains on the finances of the hospital.
This was revealed in an intercepted memo explaining reasons for holding the 16-year-old young mother and her newborn after the cesarean section at the hospital.
The hospital explained that the patient came from a Traditional Birth Attendance (TBA) center, and had an emergency cesarean section within hours of arrival to save her life and that of her baby.
According to the hospital, considering the condition of the patient, it did not request payment before providing this life-saving intervention.
The patient was discharged but held to mobilize funds within 48 hours before a decision is taken to refer her to Social Welfare team for assessment and further action.
“Typically, patients may require 48 hours to mobilize funds to settle their bills after discharge. Unfortunately, this scenario is not unique. We often have patients on our wards who struggle to settle their bills, despite our already low tariffs.
Currently, we have a baby who has had a major surgery, and the relatives are seeking assistance to cover the medical expenses”.
The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman Thomas Ampem Nyarko on. Sunday, January 12, 2025, paid the medical bill for the 16-year-old mother and her newborn baby detained at VRA hospital in Akosombo over the inability to pay the medical bill of GHC 2,528.40.
After GHone TV and Starr FM publications on the situation came to the attention of the MP, he issued a cheque for payment by a delegation led by Karim Awudu, his personal Assistant, Clement Amegaste, NDC Constituency Secretary, and Hajia Rashidatu, the Constituency Treasurer.
Subsequently, some benevolent individuals and NGOs have donated a total of 7,500 for the upkeep of the young mother and newborn in addition to baby essential items provided.
Edna Oliver Asare, CEO of Mawu Klenam Foundation, donated baby clothes,diapers, toiletries wash,bag of rice, box of tin milk and other essential items.
Phoebe Sherifa, CEO of Teenage Mother Care Foundation has assured to sponsor the teenage mother who dropped out of school at Class five to return to school or acquire a vocational skill.
