By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Akwa-Ibom born Mrs Imabong William, who was hospitalised over three months ago after her landlady poured hot water mixed with pepper on her, has appealed to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and his Wife for assistance to save her life.
Imabong, who spoke to our Correspondent in hospital bed at Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, alleged that the hospital stopped treating her after she failed to pay her accumulated ₦650,000 and the Commissioner for women's affairs who brought her there was not forthcoming to provide further assistance.
The incident, which led to her present predicament happened at Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area on Aug. 17, 2023 and the landlady, Amaka Okonkwo, is currently in police custody for allegedly pouring hot water mixed with pepper on her over a disagreement on rent increment.
She said she was still feeling scald burn pain as the hospital had stopped giving her medications for over a month due to her accumulated medical bills.
"I have been in the hospital for over three months, though I'm healing gradually but I still feel pain. The Doctor brought my bill last month and it has accumulated to N650,000.
"I'm a trader, I do not have money anywhere to pay the bill which was why the hospital stop giving me any medications and treatment.
" I called the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare because they brought me to the hospital and they have not come to check on me since then.
"But the woman who answered the call said the ministry does not pay medical bills that their job is to prosecute the offender. She told me to go and source for funds on my own.
"I'm really confused. Even to feed has been difficult and my two-year-old baby who is staying with me in the hospital is not safe because she can contract disease here. I appeal to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, and well-meaning individuals to come to my aid.
“A lot of people have advised me to meet the wife of the governor. Some advised that I should write, but truly I am not finding it easy. Whatever the government feels that it can do in order to assist is welcome, my health and life depends on it,” she lamented.
A staff of the hospital who pleaded anonymity told journalists that they moved her from the private where she was been treated to a maternity ward and that they stopped her medication to avoid accumulation of her medical bill.