The Nkambe Regional Hospital Annex has reacted to accusations of extorting clients through unnecessary surgeries.
The reaction comes after Mimi Mefo Info published, on its regular slot, “The People’s Voice,” a concern raised by an individual about the health facility.
The individual, whose identity MMI concealed for security reasons, said: “The issue of operation is becoming a business in this hospital.”
He narrated how they decided to take their mother elsewhere for treatment after the hospital demanded the sum of FCFA 320,000 for surgery over “light fever”.
A response from the hospital, a copy of which MMI obtained, debunks the allegations, saying the hospital is structured to take care of the community.
“Prices of all surgical procedures carried out in this hospital have been fixed by the state and are contained in a price list available in all the relevant points and offices,” reads a press release signed by Dr Moye Divine, Director of the hospital.
“They have been conspicuously pasted up in the operating theatres and are strictly respected.”
Clarifying public doubts, Dr. Moye called on the population to make use of his office with their complaints if they were treated poorly.
“Patients, carers, and any member of the community who observes or perceives that they have been poorly treated could either complain to the Quality Officer in Room 6 or the hospital Chaplain at the Chaplaincy or come directly to the office of the Director (room 4),” he said.
He described the accusations raised as ill-fated.
“To continue to use their beloved regional hospital which they participated in obtaining; despite the numerous acts of sabotage and unfounded accusations that are being mounted against it on social media by some persons of bad faith.”
He, however, cautions staff “to keep their promise, respect the values of the hospital and their terms of reference; remain calm and focused on their duty to offer quality healthcare to the target population”.
“Let me, equally, appeal to the entire public to continue to give us to continue to give us the necessary feedback, participate in the weekly patient satisfaction surveys, report anything they are not satisfied about; and make all constructive suggestions to the hospital authorities.” Dr Moye appealed.
Below is the original concern that the Nkambe resident sent to MMI. It was published on the slot, People’s Voice.
People’s Voice (PV)
Greetings, Mimi Mefo Info Team.
Thank you for being the Voice of the Voiceless.
I am writing to you concerning the Nkambe Regional Hospital Annex. The issue of operation is becoming a business in this hospital.
About a month ago, my mother went there and complained of light fever. She was administered a litre of drip while waiting for the results of other examinations. To our greatest surprise, the doctor asked us to go home and bring the sum of 320,000 frs for the operation, with the due date being July 16, 2024.
We decided to take her to Banso Baptist Hospital. After all examinations, the doctor said there was no operation-related sickness and prescribed a few medications.
This is not the first time we have experienced this situation at the Nkambe Regional Hospital Annex. Many people have been operated unnecessarily. The situation is alarming.
This hospital is joking with people’s lives for business. Let the powers that be do something about it before it is too late.
