Tebz Smith

A lot of people have been saying things like, “The health facilities owned by the REDEEMED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD are not free.” Well… that’s not entirely true. Yes, not every service provided in RCCG-owned health facilities is free. But there’s a bigger picture that is often conveniently left out. Many of the procedures and specialised services available in RCCG health facilities are not readily available in many other private or government-owned hospitals. And where they are available, patients can sometimes spend months on waiting lists before getting access and sometimes eventually travel abroad. What RCCG has done is make these services available at subsidised rates, making healthcare more accessible to people who might otherwise struggle to afford such procedures. And, of course, the equipment didn’t come free. The doctors, nurses and other medical professionals don’t work for free. Electricity isn’t free. Medication, maintenance, infrastructure and other operational costs aren’t free either. Apparently, hospitals are expected to run on prayers alone. More importantly, RCCG also provides FREE healthcare services to anyone in need at designated health facilities within Redemption City during special programmes such as the Convention, Congress and other major gatherings. This includes medical treatments and procedures, including surgeries and childbirth, where the required service is available within the City. So, while it is correct to say that not every service is permanently free, it is misleading to suggest that RCCG is simply running commercial hospitals without providing significant subsidised and free healthcare. The bigger picture is this: healthcare is being provided, specialised services are being made accessible, and during designated programmes, people in need can receive these services completely free of charge. A little more context before the criticism wouldn’t hurt. After all, even hospitals need more than good intentions to keep the lights on.