Foundation pays GHS 40,000 to free detainee mothers and newborns at Tema General Hospital

Mothers and newborns detained at Tema General Hospital for unpaid medical bills were discharged on Thursday, December 27 2024 after the Myhelp-Yourhelp Foundation paid GHS 40,000 to clear their outstanding debts.

The intervention, which also included the distribution of hampers containing essential baby items worth GHS 25,000 included diapers, baby clothing, toiletries, blankets, feeding bottles, and baby formula. 

Speaking during the event, Mr Nicholas Cofie, Founder and CEO of the foundation described the initiative as part of the foundation’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare challenges during the festive season.

“On Boxing Day, a day of sharing, we decided to help mothers detained here due to unpaid bills. This aligns with our mission to reduce maternal and child mortality rates while giving these families a chance to reunite and celebrate the season,” he said. 

Mr Cofie explained that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring good health and well-being. “This is about reducing maternal and child mortality by removing financial barriers to healthcare,” he noted.

“Our hope is to ease their burden and allow them to return home with their babies,” he said. 

The foundation’s team paid bills in the maternity and emergency wards. 

According to Mr Cofie, GHS 12,000 was used to settle debts for 20 mothers in the maternity ward, while GHS 5,000 was allocated to an emergency case.

Apostle Samuel Obeng Mensah, the administrator of the hospital, expressed gratitude to the foundation, noting the significant impact of their intervention.

He revealed that many patients, especially those without National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage, struggle to pay their medical bills, adding that these financial difficulties often lead to prolonged hospital stays, placing strain on both the patients and the hospital’s limited resources.

“We have a social welfare unit to support patients who cannot pay their bills, but the burden on our facilities remains heavy,” he explained.

Patients discharged but unable to settle their bills occupy beds needed for new cases. This gesture from Myhelp-Yourhelp Foundation has alleviated that pressure, allowing families to reunite and celebrate the season without the weight of unpaid bills.”

“Initiatives like this are crucial as they enable us to redirect resources to critical cases. We hope such support continues to strengthen healthcare delivery,” he added.

Mr Cofie also took the opportunity to call on men to be more supportive of their partners during pregnancy and childbirth. “Abandoning a pregnant woman or a child is a failure of responsibility,” he said. “Supporting your family brings blessings and strengthens society.”

The Myhelp-Yourhelp Foundation, which has been active since 2018, has completed 22 projects focused on poverty alleviation, healthcare, and gender equality.