The Hospitals That Won't Let Patients Go Home

The International Finance Corp., an arm of the World Bank, spends millions of dollars of taxpayer money to build up private-sector services in the developing world.

But a Bloomberg investigation reveals that several private hospital companies funded by the IFC have kept patients in their care until they can cover their bills or otherwise satisfy the hospital they will be able to pay. This policy can, at times, keep people from going home many days after they are medically ready for discharge. One healthcare company in the Philippines says it’s just following the law.

To see the healthcare company's response:
AC Health Responds to Bloomberg Article on World Bank-Funded Hospitals
https://www.bloomberg.com/letters/2025-02-04/ac-health-responds-to-bloomberg-article-on-ifc-funded-hospitals?sref=omvmmwIg

Read more:
Patients Detained, Denied Care at Hospitals Funded by World Bank
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-01-16/world-bank-funded-hospitals-in-africa-asia-detained-patients-and-denied-care?utm_medium=social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=originals&utm_content=article

Watch more:
The Baby Caught in a For-Profit Healthcare Tragedy | Bloomberg Investigates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqgMNCj94oY

00:00 - 00:40 Introduction
00:41 - 01:59 Sarah’s story: Stuck in a private hospital
02:00 - 04:31 How the IFC funds private medical care in the developing world
04:32 - 07:28 History of patients being held at hospitals in the Philippines
07:29 - 09:29 Sarah goes home/Conclusion

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Post from Bloomberg on February 06, 2025

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