The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has clarified reports regarding musician Burna Boy’s recent visit, addressing claims that he covered all medical bills for patients at the facility.
Contrary to widespread reports, the hospital stated that Burna Boy, real name Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, only settled the bills of selected patients during his visit on June 11, rather than covering all outstanding bills.
Mrs. Elabha Meni, spokesperson for the institution, released a statement on Friday to set the record straight.
“We commend Burna Boy’s kindness in financially assisting select patients in our hospital to offset their bills during his visit on June 11,” Meni said.
“However, contrary to reports stating that all patients’ bills in UPTH were paid during the visit, only selected patients received cash gifts or donations.”
Meni emphasized that the hospital did not receive direct payments from the musician or his team on behalf of all patients.
“The hospital did not receive direct payments from the musician and his team on behalf of patients to support this worthy cause of reducing healthcare costs,” she clarified.
The spokesperson lauded Burna Boy’s charitable act, acknowledging the significant impact such gestures have on those in need within the society.
The clarification follows Burna Boy’s visit to UPTH, which garnered widespread attention and praise on social media and news outlets, leading to the misinterpretation of the extent of his financial contributions.
Burna Boy, an internationally acclaimed artist, has been involved in various philanthropic activities, often using his platform to assist those in need.
His recent visit to UPTH, despite the clarified scope of his donations, still highlights the importance of celebrity involvement in social causes and the positive effects it can have on communities.
As the situation evolves, the hospital continues to express gratitude for all forms of support from public figures and encourages further charitable acts to aid those facing financial hardships in accessing healthcare.
