Popular MC Raises Concerns Over Payment Policy at General Hospital Obiaruku

Popular event host, Maxwell Idama widely known as The Banker MC has taken to social media to express concerns over the poor attitude of staff and the rigid payment policy at the Delta State General Hospital in Obiaruku.

In a Facebook post published on May 13, 2025, Idama recounted his experience after taking his wife to the hospital for treatment. He said staff at the finance department declined to accept a cash payment, insisting instead on a bank transfer before any medical attention could be given.

According to him, the two staff members one male and one female (names withheld) cited a directive from the Delta State Hospital Management Board aimed at curbing revenue leakages through digital-only transactions.

“Do you know that in General Hospital, Obiaruku currently if you need treatment and you have cash you will not be attended to by the finance department?  My wife was sick and I took her there, omo, this woman in finance department was ranting hell that this is the Delta State Hospital Management board’s stand. No transfer or POS Transaction, no treatment. If you have cash sorry, you can not be attended to.”

He added that while trying to make the payment, another woman at the hospital claimed she had transferred ₦4,000 since the previous Friday, but her relative had not been treated because the payment hadn’t reflected even after she offered to pay again in cash.

“So because they are blocking leakages, Deltans should loose their lives?’’ Idama queried.

In a follow-up conversation with our correspondent, Idama confirmed he eventually made a transfer to proceed with treatment. He also revealed that someone from the hospital management later contacted him, assuring him that the matter had been referred to the board’s disciplinary committee.

Following the post, other users on Facebook shared similar experiences at different government facilities across the state.

One user, Precious Ighohwo Otabomwovo, recounted a visit to General Hospital, Ughelli:

“And to think they implemented the policy without giving a window notice for people to adjust. I experienced it at General Hospital, Ughelli. Though I had my wife’s ATM Card with me. I had to pay for two other guys I met there who gave me cash in return.

And to make matters worse, as at February 9th & 10th, 2025, they had just 1 POS terminal. You needed to see the queue.

I understand they are trying to cut revenue loss as the manual process of payment can be manipulated by dubious account officers, the system should be well organised for optimum service delivery. With what I saw there, they are playing honestly.’’

He acknowledged the government’s effort to reduce revenue leakages but suggested better planning to avoid service disruption.

Another user, Ebisine Allwell Ena, shared a more emotional story, stating:  “I lost an aunty in October reasons bcos the transfer was done and network went bad..the hospital didn’t treat bcos they didn’t get an alert…it was immediately she passed the alert dropped..these people no care sef..they were still standing on their ground saying it’s their policy…

A govt. hospital ooooo”

As of this report, the Delta State Hospital Management Board has not issued an official statement regarding the matter. Efforts to reach the hospital authorities have also been unsuccessful.