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#Videocrux - Congolese women trapped in hospital Congolese women trapped in hospital
Thousands of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo have earned the infamous nickname of "hospital prisoners". Penniless, they've been forced after operations or births to continue living in the hospitals, often in horrible conditions. Until they can pay their bills, there's no escape.
Women trapped in hospitals for not paying bills
A hospital in Kinshasa. Ornella, who became a mum at 16, has been here for three months. Yet she's not sick. She can't return home because she can't afford to pay the bill.
Low income forcing women to be hospital prisoners
Across the country thousands of new mums are trapped in hospitals, unable to leave, unable to pay their bills. A Caesarean costs between 200 and 250 dollars -- a fortune here, where three-quarters of the population earn less than a dollar a day.
Hospitals forcing patients to pay to avoid bankruptcy
Hospital bosses say they have no other option. If they don't force their patients to pay, there will be no income whatsoever. And a third of their patients can't afford treatment.
No govt. help for new mothers
These women are not alone. At least 20 percent of women who give birth in Congolese hospitals are forced to stayon until they settle their debts. And with no state subsidies for the hospitals, and no public health insurance for the poor, that figure could rise even higher.

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