An official of the Imo State Civil Guard, Chibuike Odunze, is overstaying his admission at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State as he is unable to pay a hospital bill of N403,565.
City Round learnt that Odunze had been discharged since January but could not go home due to a bill he owed.
He was admitted at the hospital in October 2020 after he suffered injuries to his legs and head in an accident along Port Harcourt Road.
It was learnt that the father of one went into a coma for a month but was later revived and operated on.
The native of Umuikwo Obile in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state told our correspondent that his outstanding hospital bill was N583,565 but his mother managed to raise N180,000, leaving a balance of N403,565.
He said, “I am a staff member of Imo Civil Guard. I had an accident in October 2020 on my way to Obinze which affected my head and legs among other injuries. I was rushed to the FMC, Owerri. I was told I was unconscious for 33 days before doctors revived me.
“I had surgeries on my head and two legs. The hospital has discharged me since January, but did not allow me to go because I have a balance of N403,565 to pay.”
Odunze, who claimed he was owed 20 months salaries, said his health condition had further worsened the hardship in the family, appealing to members of the public to come to his aid.
He stated, “I want my hospital bill paid so that I can go home. My wife and my only son are suffering. I humbly appeal to the governor of Imo State (Hope Uzodinma) to please approve payment of my salary arrears to enable me to offset my hospital bill.
“I have done all salary verifications. I am currently in a wheelchair in Male Ward 2 at the FMC. The hospital authorities have threatened to put me on the floor from the hospital bed if I don’t pay in the next few days.”
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Kingsley Achigbu, said although he was not aware of Odunze’s case, he urged him to settle his bill.
The CMD said, “He should pay his bill and go. Nobody can hold him; that is against the law. He is occupying the bed which means the hospital cannot admit another patient. One of the issues in the hospital is that we don’t have enough bed space. The hospital is serving close to seven million catchment population.”
He added that the hospital procured medical supplies with bills paid by patients.
Donations to the patient can be made to First Bank, Account Number: 3073666027 and Account Name: Odunze Chibuike Shedrack.
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