In many countries, Uganda inclusive, some patients are kept in hospitals because they can’t pay their bills. This is wrong and goes against the idea of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). UHC means everyone should get the health care they need without worrying about money.
Patients are detained in hospitals when they can’t pay their bills even if doctors say they are okay to leave. Sometimes, hospitals don’t let families take their loved ones’ bodies if they haven’t paid the bills for their treatment.
This happens in many public and private hospitals around the world, mainly in poorer countries. It’s also seen in some Asian countries. Even though laws say it’s not allowed, it still happens.
Being kept in the hospital like this is very hard for patients. They might be kept in bad conditions or tied to the bed. Some people even say they’ve been treated very badly, including being hurt or forced to do things they don’t want to do.
This goes against the rules against torture and cruel treatment that many countries follow. It also keeps patients away from their families and can make them sick because they’re still in the hospital.
People might avoid going to the hospital because they’re scared they can’t pay the bills and will be detained. This hurts the most vulnerable people who don’t have much money.
Laws around the world say hospitals can’t keep patients just because they can’t pay. Everyone should have the right to be free and not be locked up because they owe money.
The right to health is important, and it applies to everyone, no matter where they come from or how much money they have. Many countries agree on this and promise to protect it.
Some countries have even made laws to stop hospital detentions. For example, the Philippines made a law in 2007 that says hospitals can’t do this. They can be fined or jailed if they don’t follow the law.