Archive · 20 Sep 2025
Rights Groups Urge Probe of World Bank Hospital Funding
Some important groups want the World Bank to check how it's spending money on hospitals in Africa and Asia.
They are worried that some hospitals are treating patients badly.
News reports say some patients were denied care or were charged too much.
Some doctors may be doing unnecessary medical procedures to make more money.
The groups want an investigation, a freeze on new funding, and a way for people harmed by the hospitals to get help.
More than 50 organizations are calling for a probe.
The probe concerns World Bank health-care investments in Africa and Asia.
Allegations include patient abuse and denial of care.
The groups cited Bloomberg News articles and other reports.
The organizations want an investigation and changes to protect patients.
- Who
- Human rights organizations, nonprofits, and experts
- What
- Are calling for an investigation into World Bank healthcare investments.
- When
- The groups sent a letter to the bank’s president and board on Friday.
- Where
- Focus is on World Bank investments in Africa and Asia.
- Why
- Due to alleged patient abuses, including denied care and unnecessary procedures.
Human Rights Groups
World Bank
Patient Care
Human Rights Groups
Concerned about patient abuses, including denied emergency care and unnecessary procedures.
World Bank
Claims to have rigorous protocols for protecting patients, will tighten appraisal and supervision process to address concerns.
- Organizations Involved
- Over 50 human rights groups and nonprofits
- Subject
- World Bank's health-care investments
- Allegations
- Patient abuses, denial of care, unnecessary procedures, falsified reports
- Actions Requested
- Investigation, freeze on funding, procedures for remedies
- Source of Allegations
- Bloomberg News articles and International Consortium of Investigative Journalists
- Organizations Calling for Probe
- Oxfam International, Bank Information Center, Kenyan medical union