Doctor Responds to Outcry Over Pregnant Woman's Death Due to N500K Deposit Requirement. Olusanya Akinrinola

A Nigerian doctor, Dr. Penking, has shared a detailed response to the public outcry following the tragic death of a pregnant woman at a hospital, where it was reported that a N500,000 deposit was required before treatment could commence. Dr. Penking's post sheds light on the complexities faced by healthcare providers in such situations, urging the public to consider the broader context before hastily condemning hospitals.

In his response, Dr. Penking acknowledged the emotional reaction of many who have condemned the hospital for its actions, but emphasized that such decisions are often influenced by past experiences. He recounted his own personal story from 2021, when he managed a small private practice in Ekiti State. Initially, he operated with a selfless approach, treating patients first and requesting payment only after care was provided. However, he quickly became disillusioned after a series of negative experiences, including one particularly painful case.

Dr. Penking described how a 19-year-old girl, who had attempted an abortion using local methods, was rushed into his care in critical condition. Despite her severe condition—unconscious, with a fever of 41°C, a heart rate of 155 bpm, and a respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute—he was determined to save her life. The essential antibiotic, Rocephin, was unavailable at the hospital, and after searching for an alternative source, the family realized they could not afford it. In an act of goodwill, Dr. Penking personally provided the money for the medication, totaling N121,000, hoping the family would reimburse him once the patient recovered.

Unfortunately, after the patient recovered and her symptoms improved, both she and her mother disappeared without settling the hospital bills or reimbursing Dr. Penking for the borrowed funds. This experience profoundly impacted him, leading him to adopt stricter policies in his practice, requiring upfront deposits before treatment and no longer using his own money for patients' expenses.

Dr. Penking concluded by urging the public to understand the difficult decisions that healthcare professionals sometimes have to make in light of past experiences, stressing that hospitals are often pushed into such positions due to similar challenges. He cautioned against quick judgments, emphasizing that the complexities of medical practice and patient care extend beyond initial appearances.

Olusanya Akinrinola