In a troubling revelation, Nigerian journalist Agba Jalingo has accused the antenatal department of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) of demanding that patients buy fuel even after they have paid their medical bills. This accusation has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the integrity of hospital practices in Nigeria.
Agba Jalingo took to Facebook to share his experience, expressing his frustration with the hospital’s antenatal department. According to his account, patients are being asked to purchase fuel, which is likely needed for hospital generators or other operational purposes, despite having already settled their medical costs. This situation has left many feeling exploited and confused about why they must incur additional expenses after fulfilling their financial obligations.
Following Jalingo’s post, numerous users flocked to his page to share their own experiences with the UCTH antenatal department. Many recounted similar incidents where they faced unexpected demands for fuel or other payments, even after paying their hospital bills. These stories paint a concerning picture of how patients are treated within the healthcare system, highlighting a pattern of financial burdens placed on individuals already seeking critical medical care.
This issue isn’t isolated to just one department or hospital. It reflects a broader problem within Nigeria’s healthcare system, where patients often encounter various obstacles that complicate their treatment journey. Reports of hospitals asking for unofficial payments or additional resources are not uncommon, leading to calls for reform and better oversight of healthcare facilities.
Patients deserve transparency and honesty from medical institutions, especially during vulnerable times when they are seeking care. The demands for extra payments can discourage people from seeking medical help and create a barrier to accessing necessary services.
In light of these allegations, many advocates and community members are urging for immediate action. They are calling on the management of UCTH and similar institutions to investigate these claims and put measures in place to ensure that patients receive care without facing unexpected financial demands.
Moreover, there’s a growing need for government oversight in healthcare facilities to ensure compliance with ethical practices. Advocates stress the importance of creating a healthcare environment where patients can trust that their needs will be met without additional financial burdens.
