Health CS Aden Duale at a past Ministry's function. Photo: Aden Duale X.
Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale visited Kenyatta National Hospital days after the chilly murder of 54-year-old Edward Maingi inward 7B.
During his visit, Duale issued a number of directives to all referral hospitals in the country in new reforms, after what he termed as ‘system failure’ on deaths at KNH.
While addressing journalists after inspection, he condoled with the family of Maingi, describing the incident as unacceptable.
“To the family of Edward, we’re sorry. The Ministry of Health extends its condolences to the Ndegwa family for such a sad ordeal,” he said.
Duale acknowledged the raising concerns about the safety of patients in public hospitals, affirming that the Ministry of Health is taking a plan of action to address the concerns and fear among Kenyans.
In his address, Duale directed that all national referrals in the country to conduct fully security audit and implement corrective measures including installation of functional CCTv surveillance in sensitive areas within the hospital.
“What happened at Kenyatta is unacceptable. That shows a system failure. I must address a humanitarian crisis. We’re improving CCTV coverage in hospitals to ensure all sensitive areas are covered for accountability,” the CS directed.
To further improve security in hospitals, the CS announced the introduction of monitoring calls, tight visit controls, mandatory identity and vehicle details for all individuals, including police officers, who bring patients to hospitals.
“We will ask all persons, including police who bring in sick patients, to leave behind information, including vehicle number plate and ID. We aim to have anonymous calls in hospitals for security purposes,” he further explained.
Duale also raised an alarm of patients overstaying in hospitals after discharge, which is the case of the main suspect Kennedy Kalombotole, who was a long-term patient of the hospital according to earlier statements by KNH.
He disclosed that 443 are still in hospitals after discharge, with no traces of family members, somewhere to return, while other are being held due to accumulated medical bills. He called on Kenyans to work together to resolve the issue.
“There are many abandoned patients in our hospitals. We ask Kenyans to step in and help us address these alarming issues. We are working to ensure we have a society that is compassionate enough to accept their kin back. 443 abandoned patients will be reconnected to their loved ones,” Duale said.
He urged Kenyans to exercise patience, as the government works to ensure that the reforms have been implemented.
About the Author
