A private hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has come under intense criticism after reports emerged that it has detained a baby and his grandmother for more than a year over unpaid medical bills. Meridian Hospital, located along Ikwerre Road with its headquarters at D-Line, Port Harcourt, confirmed that the matter is now before a court following public outrage.
The controversy began after the family of a 36-year-old woman, identified as Mrs. Chiamaka, accused the hospital of refusing to release her infant son and his maternal grandmother. According to the family, Mrs. Chiamaka had been a registered patient of Meridian Hospital, where she received antenatal care before suffering complications that led to premature labour at seven months of pregnancy.
She was initially rushed to the Ikwerre Road branch of the hospital but was later transferred to the D-Line headquarters when her condition worsened. Tragically, she died after giving birth to a premature baby. The infant, who survived, was placed in an incubator and received intensive medical care for four months.
Upon discharge, the hospital reportedly presented a bill totaling ₦6 million for the child’s treatment. The family was able to pay ₦1.4 million, leaving an outstanding balance of ₦4.6 million. The hospital allegedly refused to release the baby or the grandmother, who had been serving as the child’s caregiver during the hospital stay, insisting that the remaining balance must be settled in full before discharge.
For over a year, the grandmother and the now one-year-old child have allegedly remained confined within the hospital premises. Family members claim that the hospital rejected all appeals for a payment plan that would allow them to gradually clear the debt while taking the baby home.
Human rights advocates and members of the public have expressed outrage over the situation, calling it inhumane and unlawful. Critics argue that detaining patients or their relatives over unpaid bills is a violation of basic human rights and an unethical medical practice. Many Nigerians took to social media to condemn the hospital’s actions, demanding immediate intervention from authorities.
In response to the growing backlash, Meridian Hospital issued a brief statement confirming that the matter is now before a court. The hospital did not provide further details on the ongoing legal process but stated that it would not comment further while the case is under judicial consideration.
The prolonged detention has reportedly taken a toll on both the baby and the grandmother. Family members describe the conditions under which they are being kept as deplorable, emphasizing that the child has never experienced life outside the hospital walls since birth.
Legal experts have pointed out that under Nigerian law, hospitals are not permitted to detain patients or their relatives for unpaid bills. While hospitals can pursue legal means to recover debts, they cannot hold individuals against their will. Advocacy groups have urged the Rivers State government and relevant medical authorities to intervene and ensure the release of the baby and his grandmother.
The tragic case has reignited national debate about healthcare ethics, hospital billing practices, and the rights of patients in Nigeria. Many have called for reforms that balance the need for hospitals to recover costs with the protection of patients’ rights and dignity.
As public pressure mounts, attention now turns to the court proceedings, which will determine whether Meridian Hospital acted within the law or violated the fundamental rights of the individuals involved. The family continues to seek justice and the safe return of the baby, hoping that the matter will be resolved without further suffering.
