Following the arrest of five people in regards to the alleged falsification of documents used to acquire the War Memorial Hospital land lease, the county government of Nakuru is making a move which could be yet another take over, after the previous one in October, 2023.

The facility is currently under heavy watch by county Askari’s who are now inspecting whoever is accessing the facility.

Accompanied by the Health Executive Roselyne Mungai and director of medical service Dr. Daniel Wainaina, the County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura, says that they made their way to War Memorial hospital to have situation awareness of the hospital, since the hospital’s senior management had been arrested.

County Secretary Dr. Samuel Mwaura, County Health Executive Roselyne Mungai and director of medical services Dr. Daniel Wainaina at the War memorial hospital on January 20,2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

He notes that the county administration is aware of the legal process that is going on.

Watch: Drama at Nakuru war memorial hospital as court clerks seek to serve court order

However, Dr Mwaura said as a government and devolved function, they have the responsibility to mind the safety and wellbeing of patients admitted at the hospital.

“We felt patients may be neglected since the hospital did not have decision makers in office. When there was an initial takeover of the hospital, we heard people say patients were mistreated while others purported that people died. Therefore, we want to monitor what is going on at the facility and ensure the welfare of the patients is safeguarded,” he said.

He further advised families with patients at the facility to move their patients to other preferred hospitals.

Watch: What is the Nakuru war memorial takeover and why is it happening now?

“The facility is experiencing a lacuna of management and our advice is for family members to move their patients to other hospitals. We have space at PGH and PGH annex. However, the patient can be moved to a hospital of choice by the family,” he advised.

As this unravels, family members having patients at the facility are now left in limbo. Who caters for the transfer of the patients and do they get a refund of the money paid for service that will not be delivered?

Mwangi Gitahi, says that the move by the county has left them in shock as they do not know what move to take next. Their patient was involved in an accident and according to him, starting transfers from one hospital to another may not be the best move for them.

On the other hand, a public appeal from an individual affiliated to Nakuru War Memorial has been sent out seeking the government to engage in constructive dialogue to find a solution surrounding the land dispute.

In their message, they sought for the release of the hospital's directors and aired out that the closure of the hospital would affect the livelihoods of the 300 staff attached to the hospital.

“The closure of our hospital would not only disrupt essential healthcare services but also jeopardize the livelihoods of over 300 families who depend on their jobs to make ends meet. Please consider the human impact of these decisions and the hardships faced by doctors, nurses, and all the dedicated staff members who are committed to their roles in supporting the health and well-being of our community,” reads part of the post.

Related: Nakuru war memorial hospital: Where it all begun

The said individual concludes their message saying “We sincerely hope for your understanding and support in finding a resolution that safeguards our hospital, its employees, and the broader community.”

Wanjirukiuthia20@gmail.com

Families asked to move patients from Nakuru war memorial as hospital's fate remains unknown

Author Spotlight

Purity Kinuthia