We don't use babies as collateral for unpaid medical bills; such reports are unfounded, false — Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

A file photo of the hospital building

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has denied allegations circulated on social media that it uses babies as collateral to secure unpaid bills owed by mothers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, January 18, the hospital said reports that it detains babies until their mothers settle medical debts are "unfounded and categorically false."

"Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media that accuses the Hospital of using babies as collateral for the debts owed the Hospital by their mothers.

“The allegation made in the video is unfounded and categorically false. The Hospital does not detain babies or use them as collateral when their mothers owe the Hospital," the statement read in part.

The teaching hospital further noted that it was difficult to understand the motive behind the allegation of soliciting funds using 'detained babies'.

It warned philanthropists and aid groups against offering support to any individuals or organizations claiming to raise money to "secure the freedom of 'collaterised' babies" at the hospital.

The denial comes after a video circulating on social media made the explosive claim that Korle Bu holds infants hostage, until unpaid medical bills, running into thousands of cedis in some cases are settled.

However, the hospital emphasised that records show no such practices and described the video an attempt to scam donors.