By Hungah Peter (SIWES student, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro)
Saba Elizabeth, a patient at the Federal Medical Centre in Idi-Aba Abeokuta, Ogun State, reportedly departed the hospital after being unable to cover her medical expenses following treatment for an undisclosed ailment.
According to reliable sources, Elizabeth absconded on Saturday when faced with the challenge of settling the incurred medical bills.
She had been admitted to the gynecology ward on November 11, 2023, with the intended discharge date of November 16, 2023. However, financial constraints prevented her from leaving the hospital as she struggled to fulfill her financial obligations to the medical center.
Allegedly realizing she couldn’t meet her medical bills, Elizabeth misled hospital staff, claiming she intended to buy food at a nearby store but never returned.
The Chief Security Officer, Akpoji Joshua, reported the situation to the Kemta Police Division on Sunday after unsuccessful attempts to locate Elizabeth. The police, in collaboration with her family, are conducting an investigation to locate the patient.
The hospital Public Relations Officer, Mr. Segun Orisajo, expressed dissatisfaction with the patient’s actions, highlighting the various measures, including involving the Social Welfare Department, initiated by the hospital management to locate her and settle the outstanding debts owed to the center.
