Commission demands answers as three die due to alleged oxygen disruption at Coast General Hospital
CAJ demanded a detailed report from the hospital, including the planned maintenance schedule and risk assessments conducted prior to the disruption.
The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) has issued a seven-day notice to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, seeking an explanation for the deaths of three patients allegedly caused by a disruption in the hospital’s oxygen supply.
This follows media reports claiming the patients died due to a lack of oxygen and poor emergency response from hospital staff.
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"The tragic loss of three lives- Kimanzi Mwangi, 81, Mariom Chai, and Tito Mutua, 45- at Coast General Hospital due to an oxygen supply disruption is deeply concerning. We have issued a seven-day notice for the hospital to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding this incident," stated the Commission.
In a statement, the CAJ asserted that the incident violated the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act, which outlines the professional standards and ethical responsibilities that healthcare providers are required to uphold.
"Adding to this concern, the reported refusal of emergency medical care, with allegations that nurses were merely running around without offering assistance, could constitute a serious breach of professional conduct, particularly in light of the fatal outcome," stated Charles Dulo, CAJ Chairperson, in an inquiry letter dated April 8, 2025, addressed to the hospital's Chief Executive Officer.
The Commission’s inquiry also highlighted concerns over potential violations of the Health Act and the Constitution, particularly Article 43, which guarantees the right to health and adequate healthcare services.
CAJ questioned whether sufficient backup oxygen systems were in place during the maintenance period and why they were allegedly either ineffective or not used at all.
“Were there any alternative or backup oxygen supply systems in place and fully operational during the scheduled maintenance period? If so, why were they allegedly insufficient or not utilized effectively?”
CAJ demanded a detailed report from the hospital, including the planned maintenance schedule and risk assessments conducted prior to the disruption.
The Commission also asked the hospital to outline the steps taken to ensure that patients’ rights to timely and adequate healthcare were upheld.
Additionally, CAJ requested a review of the hospital’s internal emergency protocols and the response of medical personnel during the crisis.
To further ensure accountability, CAJ requested an action matrix from the hospital’s CEO, which should include any disciplinary actions being considered against staff involved in the maintenance planning or the response to the disruption.
The Commission is also seeking assurances that the hospital will take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure a reliable oxygen supply for all patients.
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