By: Felix Ikpotor
A 13-month old baby who was allegedly held hostage by the management of Le Meridian Hospital Port Harcourt alongside his grand-mother for the inability of his family to offset his medical bills have now been reunited with his parents.
Recall that last week, news went viral especially on the social media that 13-month Miracle whose mother passed away in course of birth was held alongside his grandmother for their inability to offset hospital bills running into around ₦4million.
However, following the intervention of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the baby, grandmother has been reunited with the father Mr Ugochukwu Onyenehigo.
A statement by Commissioner, Dr Adaeze Oreh, in a statement said the reunion followed the amicable resolution of the matter alongside an officer of the judicial Court for juveniles.
She said: “This reunion followed an amicable settlement reached between his father and the hospital as encouraged by the judicial officer of the family court where a case of juvenile abandonment had been filed by the hospital on humanitarian grounds. The agreement was communicated to the court, and the case has now been withdrawn.
”In an emotional statement during the mini-sendforth party held for Miracle by the hospital, Mr Onyenehigo, a generator-repair technician, expressed economic difficulties with the repayment of the outstanding hospital bills. Although the agreement between both parties included a repayment plan, the Ministry has at this point waded in to offset the outstanding balance. The hospital has been asked to submit a report of all outstanding balances to the Ministry of Health by Monday 3rd November 2025. This is to enable the family cope better with the responsibilities of raising a young child”.
Oreh, while thanking members who showed interest in the matter, further thanked the state governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara for his support towards the resolution of the matter.
