The Rivers State Government has paid the N2.7 million hospital bill owed by the family of an infant, Miracle Onyenehigo, who was reportedly held with his grandmother for about 13 months at a private hospital in Port Harcourt.
The intervention followed public concern over the family’s claim that the hospital refused to release the child after his mother died during pre-term delivery.
The child’s father, Ugochukwu Onyenehigo, a generator repair technician, had earlier told reporters that the hospital reduced the bill from about N6 million to N2.7 million and allowed him to pay N50,000 monthly. He, however, appealed for financial help due to his low income.
In a statement on Saturday, the state Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, said the government decided to clear the outstanding amount after reviewing the father’s financial situation.
Oreh said the hospital was directed to provide the Ministry of Health with details of the balance and that the issue was resolved through the family court, where the hospital had earlier filed a case of child abandonment.
She explained that the court case was withdrawn after both parties reached an agreement, and the ministry stepped in to pay the remaining bill.
“In an emotional moment during the baby’s send-forth, Mr Ugochukwu expressed his financial struggles. Although a repayment plan had been agreed upon, the Ministry has now intervened to offset the balance,” Oreh stated.
She added that the government’s action would ease the family’s burden and ensure the baby’s wellbeing.
Oreh also thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for supporting the resolution and appreciated members of the public for their concern.
“Thankfully, the family issues have been resolved, and Miracle is now being cared for in his home environment,” she said.
