The Executive Committee of Passion for Needy, a charitable organisation of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (Ghana branch), on Wednesday presented a cheque for GH¢ 3,000 to the Surgical Ward of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to settle bills for 11 detained patients.
They have been detained for the past 10 days after undergoing emergency surgical operations from intestinal obstruction, obstructed hernia, road accidents and burns following their failure to settle the bills.
The youngest of them, a 16-year-old boy with a swollen head received GH¢300 in addition for scanning.
Mrs Janet Torgbor El-Aschkar, Co-chairperson of Passion for Needy presenting the cheque said it formed part of their Christmas presents to the needy and social responsibility.
"Christmas is a festive season to show love to our brothers and sisters," she said.
Mrs El-Aschkar expressed the hope that the assistance would enable the patients spend the Yuletide with their families, while encourage them to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Dr Florence Dedey, Consultant, Department of Surgery receiving the cheque expressed concern at the high rate of discharged patients failing to settle their bills.
She expressed appreciation to the organisation and urged others to emulate them.
Ms Gertrude Addy, Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Surgical Department, said most of the patients treated were brought in critical conditions and management could not refuse treatment.
"It is pathetic that some patients leave the hospital with their stitches not removed because they cannot settle their bills," she added.