By Cynthia Abah
The management of Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) has launched a search effort for the children of one of its patients, Mr. Maurice Okpenyong, 81, who was reportedly abandoned at the hospital. According to a statement from Babcock University’s Communications Department, Mr. Okpenyong was brought to the hospital by his children, a man named Lawrence and a woman, who have since disappeared and failed to accompany him home when BUTH signed his discharge in December 2023.
Despite efforts to locate the patient’s son and daughter, their whereabouts remain unknown to BUTH management. Collaborating with the police in Ilishan, Area F, and Bariga, the hospital has searched for his son at both his official and private addresses without success. The outstanding total debt accrued by the patient at the time of his discharge in December 2023 was N399,320. However, due to his children’s failure to retrieve him and his prolonged stay, his bill has escalated to N1,279,350 as of March 20, 2024, with only N180,000 paid by either the patient or his children.
The decision to publicize the situation was made by the hospital management to prompt the patient’s family to collect him, as BUTH can no longer ensure his well-being. Additionally, despite the hospital’s continued provision of care, Mr. Okpenyong has displayed rebellious and abusive behavior. The administration cited instances where he removed his pee bag, causing unsanitary conditions. Due to concerns that he may attempt to flee, the hospital has placed him under watch.
Mr. Okpenyong, hailing from Akwa Ibom’s Obot Akara Local Government Area, had been diagnosed with Repeat Suprapublic Cystostomy. The hospital’s efforts to locate his children and address his care needs reflect their commitment to patient welfare amidst challenging circumstances.
