- Ministry of Health has issued a statement declaring free medical treatment to those injured in the course of the anti-government demonstrations.
- This comes after Kenyans online contributed funds for those admitted at various hospitals across the country.
- In a statement that has attracted ridicule online, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has stated that none of the casualties treated in the country’s referral hospitals has been charged for treatment.
Following the recent anti-finance bill and anti-government protests that have rocked Kenya in the late weeks of June and the onset of July, the Ministry of Health has issued a statement declaring free medical treatment to those injured in the course of the demonstrations.
The demos, which have seen police retaliate with brutal force, including the use of live rounds on unarmed protesters, have left dozens dead and scores injured.
Kenyans online have taken it to themselves to raise money for those admitted at various hospitals across the country.
Gen Z protesters, besides making monetary contributions, have also come out in their numbers to donate blood and pay visits to those injured in the fight.
The Ministry’s statement comes after the Millions donated have already been sent to families of the affected, to assist in burial plans and offsetting medical bills.
In a statement that has attracted ridicule online, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has stated that none of the casualties treated in the country’s referral hospitals has been charged for treatment.
“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. 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 has been asked for payment. 58 are still admitted, with 1 in ICU, 3 waiting for theatre. We wish them a quick recovery,” she wrote on X.
Angered X users were quick to respond, with one user writing, “All this time, where have you been? Do you mean you have seen this act this morning? How hard or slow is it for your attention to be drawn to serious issues? Where was your statement before?”
This comes as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has been under fire for allegedly losing KSH 368 million due to 'typing errors'. The insurance fund has also left patients stranded as the expected shift to SHA ( Social Health Authority) has rendered their services unprocurable.
