A public confrontation has erupted between activist and journalist Hanifa Adan and Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha regarding the handling and funding of medical care for those injured during the recent anti-government protests.
On Wednesday, CS Nakhumicha asserted that all victims of the protests admitted to referral hospitals had received free treatment and were discharged without having to pay any medical bills.
She claimed that of the 294 casualties treated, 235 had been discharged, while 58 remained in various hospitals, including one in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and three awaiting surgery.
“My attention has been drawn to efforts by some individuals to raise funds from the public to pay hospital bills for persons injured during the demonstrations,” Nakhumicha stated on her X account.
“Out of the total 294 casualties attended to in our referral hospitals, 235 have been treated for various degrees of injuries and discharged, and none have been asked for payment. Fifty-eight are still admitted with one in ICU, and three are waiting for theatre.”
However, Hanifa Adan, a prominent figure in the protests and an advocate for the injured, countered the CS’s claims.
Hanifa argued that Kenyatta National Hospital only waived medical bills after the plight of one protester was highlighted by a local TV station.
She also criticized Nakhumicha for politicizing the issue and alleged that many injured individuals had not yet received the necessary surgeries and were still in pain.
“There are so many people in KNH complaining up to now that they haven’t received surgery yet and are in pain. We transferred five people from KNH to Nairobi West, and they’re doing well,” Hanifa claimed.
“I’m repeating, do not play politics with people’s lives.”
Hanifa further noted that they had been raising funds through a campaign on the M-Changa platform to cover medical expenses for injured individuals across the country. She mentioned that funds had been used to pay for treatment at Moi Referral Hospital, Embu Level 5, and other public hospitals, including Mbagathi.
“We’ve been paying for Moi Referral Hospital, we’re paying for Embu Level 5 and other public hospitals as well. Even people in Mbagathi, we visited them and we are waiting for the invoices,” Hanifa explained in a post on X.
She emphasized the necessity of the fundraising efforts due to the inadequate support provided by the government and questioned why the CS was only now addressing the issue.
Hanifa also accused certain individuals of trying to exploit the situation by presenting doctored documents to access funds, a problem that has prompted her to demand proof and promise stringent oversight.
“Money is sent directly to the hospital if there is any con game involved with the hospital, I will drag that hospital down myself, wallah,” she warned.
“I’m putting this out there, and I’m even warning, if any hospital tries to take advantage of this and forge invoices and documents, I will get very personal with your hospital, I promise. Just try and if you do please don’t let me find out.”
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