A Nigerian doctor, Dr. Penking, has urged the public to avoid rushing to condemn hospitals over payment policies, following the tragic case of a pregnant woman who reportedly lost her life because a hospital insisted on a ₦500,000 deposit before treating her.
In response to the outrage, the doctor shared his own experience, highlighting how some hospitals face financial difficulties due to patients who take advantage of their goodwill.
Recalling a case from 2021, Dr. Penking revealed that he once worked at a private clinic in Ekiti State, where he frequently treated patients before asking for payment.
Unfortunately, he was often met with dishonesty, as many patients left without settling their bills.
One particular incident involved a 19-year-old girl who had complications from a failed abortion. She arrived unconscious, with a high fever and an alarming heart rate.
The life-saving medication she needed was expensive, and her family couldn’t afford it.
Out of compassion, Dr. Penking personally covered the cost, even borrowing part of the money, believing he would be reimbursed once the patient recovered.
After days of intensive care, the young woman’s condition improved, and she was on the road to recovery.
However, to his shock, the girl and her mother disappeared from the hospital without paying, leaving him with a financial loss of ₦121,000.
Following that experience, the doctor resolved never to offer treatment without confirming a deposit first, despite being labeled “heartless” by some.
His story sheds light on why hospitals enforce strict payment policies, as many facilities operate with limited resources and cannot afford losses caused by patients who evade bills.
The debate continues as the medical community and the public struggle to balance compassion with financial realities in healthcare.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
