Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has taken responsibility for the medical bills of a pregnant woman, her husband and several other patients at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, following a devastating fire incident in Ekpoma.

The couple, both suffering severe burns, were among victims of the Ekpoma fire outbreak. The woman had reportedly approached the governor seeking financial help to settle her husband’s hospital bills, unaware that her own condition required urgent medical attention.

According to the governor, his medical team noticed during the encounter that the woman was heavily pregnant and already due for delivery. She was immediately referred to the hospital, where doctors performed a cesarean section that resulted in the safe birth of her baby.

Okpebholo, who visited the victims at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, said the state government would cover the cost of treatment for the couple and ensure that the newborn received proper medical care. He added that the intervention was extended to other patients in the wards who were struggling to pay their bills.

He explained that an agreement had been reached with the hospital management to clear the outstanding bills of those identified during the visit, stressing that no patient under the scheme should be denied treatment on account of finances.

The governor said the move was in line with his administration’s pledge to support vulnerable residents, particularly those facing sudden medical emergencies and financial hardship. He expressed confidence that the fire victim in intensive care, along with others receiving treatment, would make a full recovery.

Relatives and patients who benefited from the gesture described it as a lifeline at a time when rising healthcare costs had left many families distressed. Several of them said they had been unsure how to continue treatment before the state’s intervention.

Okpebholo noted that the Ekpoma fire incident underscored the need for stronger social support systems and assured that his government would continue to prioritize healthcare assistance for indigent citizens across Edo State.