Respite has come the way of some indigent patients who were cured at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia but could not be released to go home because they were unable to pay their bills.

Some of the identified “detained” patients are now free to go home courtesy of an Umuahia-based philanthropist, Dr. Chukwunazom Obi, who has presented a cheque of N100, 000 to the FMC management to offset the bills of some of the affected patients.

Obi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Trust Link Ventures, a security outfit, and also the founder of Good Development and Accountability Advocacy (GDAA), said the gesture was to ameliorate the plight of the indigent patients.

He also said it was in response to the distress call by the FMC management on the wealthy in the society to come to the aid of such patients in their facility which would serve to decongest the hospital.

The Medical Social Service Department of FMC had earlier written to Dr Obi through his organisations, appealing to him to sponsor the payment of outstanding hospital bills of some identified indigent patients, some of whom have long been discharged but could not go home because they are unable to settle their bills.

Part of the letter read: “From records and information available to us, we acknowledge your philanthropic disposition and commitment to helping the less privileged, particularly those caught in the web of ill health, infirmities and financial incapacitation. While commending and appreciating your kind gestures, we pray the Almighty God to continue to bless you and strengthen your resolve to bring succour to the indigent."

While making the donation, Dr Obi said: “I thank God for this opportunity to assist these patients enjoy a new lease of life” and enjoined well-meaning Nigerians, and corporate bodies to always rally to the assistance of the less privileged in the society.

An official of FMC, Mrs Orieji Uka, who received the cheque on behalf of the Medical Director, Dr Abali Chuku, thanked Dr Obi for coming to the rescue of the indigent in their facility.

She called for more of such gestures from other public-spirited people in the society.

•Photo shows Dr. Chukwunazom Obi.

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