MTRH discharges new mothers detained over unpaid bills after public outcry

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has announced that it has discharged all new mothers who had reportedly been detained over unpaid medical bills, following viral video and media coverage that raised concerns over their treatment.

At least 27 new mothers had been held at MTRH, some for as long as three months, over outstanding bills ranging from Sh20,000 to Sh500,000. The patients, including teenagers, alleged overcrowding and verbal abuse by hospital staff.

In a statement, MTRH Chief Executive Officer Philip Kirwa explained that the detention stemmed from missing documentation required for Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, such as national identification cards or birth certificates.

“The main challenge, even with the teenagers, is that they have no identification or birth certificates. This makes it difficult for us to clear them or for the Social Health Authority to pay. It is either they pay cash, or if they are unable, our credit committee reviews their cases and makes recommendations accordingly,” Kirwa said.

One of the affected mothers, 17-year-old Abigail Chepkorir, said the patients were struggling with basic necessities such as nappies and sanitary pads, but they were reportedly met with insults when they sought help first.

“We don’t even have pampers or pads. We are really suffering. When we ask the social worker for help, they insult us and tell us we will remain here,” she told Citizen TV.

The women also reported being forced to stay at the facility for periods ranging from 21 days to six months due to the unpaid bills.

Hospital management confirmed that the mothers owed money but denied allegations of mistreatment. Kirwa stated that the hospital continues to provide quality care to the women and their newborns, and that some of the patients have since been cleared and released.

The hospital added that cases of mothers without proper documentation were reviewed by the Hospital Credit and Evaluation Committee, in accordance with internal guidelines and patient support protocols.

The Hospital urged Kenyans, including MTRH clients, to enrol with SHA and ensure their premium contributions are up-to-date to guarantee uninterrupted access to healthcare services.

“We urge Kenyans, including clients seeking services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), to enrol with the Social Health Authority and ensure that their premium contributions are up-to-date,” Kirwa said.

He reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, dignified care to all patients.

Other Topics To Read

• Health
• Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
• MTRH
• Hospital bills
• SHA crisis
• MTRH Chief Executive Officer Phillip Kirwa
• MTRH discharges new mothers detained over unpaid bills after public outcry
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