A YOUNG MOTHER HELD PRISONER AT BAFIA HOSPITAL

Recently, at the Bafia district hospital, which is in the capital of the department of Mbam-et-Inoubou, Centre region, Cameroon, a young mother of 23 years old whose identity has been revealed as Colette Ambouague, put to birth by Caesarean section, and has been unable to go home due to unpaid bills.

The bill in question had summed up to 242,500 CFA francs, according to recent posts on social media. The hospital as well, recently released an official document which says the lady will not pay the full bill but will pay 120,000 CFA francs out of the expected money she is to pay.

As a result of this, the lady and her new born have been banned and restricted from leaving the hospital. They have been in the hospital for a month. According to the document, the young mother promised on paying the bills after delivery but till date has not paid any dime breaking her promise.

Cases as such have been reported uncountable times and in the absence of finances as such, the mothers are detained after delivery. In rare cases, they are often released thanks to the generosity of the benefactors or by decision from the Minister of Health.

Delia Nyadi