KMPDC probes Eastleigh hospital for detaining one-year-old child over Ksh.3M bill

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has expressed concerns regarding an incident at Abyan Hospital in Eastleigh, Nairobi, where a child was reportedly detained over an unpaid medical bill amounting to Ksh.3 million. 

This comes a day after Citizen TV aired Esther Ulavu's story, where she narrated how what was supposed to be a routine surgery developed complications and prompted her child to be referred to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

The ambulance, however, ended up diverting them to Abyan Hospital in Eastleigh, where the hospital barred them from seeing the child until they facilitate the Ksh.3 million payment.

In a statement on Wednesday, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Kariuki noted that the detention of vulnerable individuals such as children, breaches both ethical conduct and erodes public trust. 

He added that KMPC has facilitated the child's transfer to the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital to ensure the baby continues to receive the necessary medical attention. 

Upon launching the investigations, the Council, in collaboration with relevant authorities, noted that anyone found responsible would be held accountable through legal action.

"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 statement read in part. 

"The detention of patients, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children violates the principles of compassionate and professional healthcare delivery."