The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) refutes claims that a Chinese inmate escaped while receiving toothache treatment.
The prison service reported the escape of the Chinese national serving a one-year jail term for theft during medical care at the facility.
KBTH’s Public Relations Officer, Mustapha Salifu, disputed the accuracy of the media report, stating that the inmate left the hospital with the prison guards who accompanied him.
He said “The report in the media is not very accurate.”
Mr Salifu explained that the inmate, Wang Xiao, came to KBTH for a dental check-up, accompanied by two prison guards on Monday, February 12, 2024.
After examination and assessment, it was determined that Wang Xiao needed an X-ray examination, incurring extra costs. Due to insufficient funds, the appointment was rescheduled for Friday, February 9, 2024.
“He [Wang Xiao] came to the KBTH in the company of two prison guards on the account of a toothache. Once he got to the hospital, we observed that he was in handcuffs. But they moved out and reported back at about 8 am for the registration formalities.
“After the registration, he was asked to pay an amount of GH¢167 because he was a non-Ghanaian. He then proceeded to the consulting room where he was attended to and assessed. After the assessment, it happened that he had to go for an X-ray examination. While going for the X-ray, he was still in handcuffs,” he stated.
Mr Salifu emphasized that Wang Xiao left the clinic with the prison guards and has not returned since. He clarifies that the inmate did not escape while in KBTH custody and was not admitted to the hospital; it was a routine visit to the clinic for dental concerns.
“But he left the clinic in the company of the prison guards. So, as far as we are concerned, the inmate left with the guards that came with him and he did not escape while in our custody,” he stated.
“Let me mention that, the patient was not on admission. It was just a visit to the clinic and his condition did not require that he was admitted to the ward,” he added.