A grieving Liberian family is appealing for public intervention after alleging that the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center has refused to release the body of their deceased relative because they are unable to settle outstanding hospital charges totaling LD$139,215 and an additional US$266.
According to the family, the deceased was involved in a tragic road accident on July 7 after being struck by a vehicle whose driver allegedly fled the scene. He was admitted to JFK Medical Center for treatment but died ten days later despite efforts to save his life.
The family told Verity News that when they approached the hospital to claim the body for burial, they were informed that they would first have to pay LD$139,215, along with US$266 in additional fees, before the remains could be released.
Relatives say they have exhausted every effort to raise the money, managing to deposit only LD$54,000. They claim they pleaded with the hospital’s administration to either reduce the amount or allow them to retrieve the body while they continued making payments, but their request was allegedly denied.
“We have tried everything within our means, but we simply cannot afford the amount. We are begging the hospital to show compassion, but our appeals have not been successful,” a family representative said.
The family further disclosed that, overwhelmed by financial hardship, they are now considering leaving the body at the hospital because they have no means of paying the remaining balance.
As of publication, Verity News had not received a response from the management of JFK Medical Center regarding the family’s allegations. The newspaper will seek the hospital’s comments to ensure all sides of the matter are fairly represented.
The family is appealing to humanitarian organizations, government authorities, and compassionate citizens to help them retrieve their loved one’s body and give him a dignified burial.
