KMPDC Responds to Baby's Detention at Abyan Hospital Over KSh 3m Bill: "Actions Are Unacceptable"
- Esther Ulavu and her husband endured alleged harassment at Abyan Hospital, where their child had been detained over a KSh 3 million bill
- Ulavu had almost lost hope as the bill was too large for her and her husband to raise until their story garnered public attention
- The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPC) intervened and assisted the family on Wednesday, July 30
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has responded after a one-year-old baby was detained at Abyan Hospital in Eastleigh, over an outstanding bill of KSh 3 million.
Source: Facebook
The child who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the facility was initially being treated at the Oloitoktok before doctors referred them to Kenyatta National Hospital after developing complications after surgery.
How did child end-up at Abyan Hospital?
Despite KNH being the designated referral hospital, Esther Ulavu, the mother's child, stated that the ambulance diverted the child to Abyan Hospital instead without her consent or prior notice.
Things did not get better at Abyan Hospital, with their child's health deteriorating. With the bill skyrocketing to KSh 3 million, the family were left stranded, not knowing how to raise the funds.
The family claimed harassment from the medical staff at the facility, and at times, they were barred from seeing their child.
Did KMPDC call out Abyan medical facility?
In an official statement dated Wednesday, July 30, th KMPDC expressed their concern over th child's detention at the hospital due to the bill.
"Such actions are wholly unacceptable, constitute a serious breach of trust, and undermine the integrity of Kenya's healthcare system," the KMPDC statement.
The council further facilitated the immediate transfer of the young one to the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital for continued medical attention.
An investigation has also been launched at the hospital in Eastleigh to ensure that the people behind the act are held accountable by the law.
"We call upon all healthcare facilities across the country to strengthen patient protection measures, enhance reporting mechanisms, and foster a culture that prioritises patient safety and ethical practice. The detention of patients, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children, violates the principles of compassionate and professional healthcare delivery," they added.
The council further affirmed its commitment to ensuring that the highest standards of medical care are upheld in a bid to secure the public's trust in th country's health sector.
"We will continue to take decisive action to prevent such incidents and ensure that patient rights are protected at all times."
Source: TUKO.co.ke
