Act on negligent medical workers
The incident in which an expectant mother delivered outside Nairobi’s Pumwani Maternity Hospital with the help of good Samaritans is disturbing.
Witnesses said the mother had been rushed to the hospital by a taxi operator.
However, the driver was left stranded after the guards locked the gates and watched from inside as the expectant mother groaned in pain.
Pumwani hospital is also on the spot after another mother accused its doctors of rupturing her uterus in a manner that could render her unable to bear children in future.
She had elected to deliver through caesarean procedure but was forced to undergo a normal delivery despite having delivered her son through the procedure before. She lost the baby.
The two incidents at Pumwani expose a deep attitude problem among health workers and hospital administrators.
Cases abound in which families have lost loved ones due to negligence and irresponsibility of health workers.
The medical profession is considered a noble trade because it helps in preserving life.
Indeed, doctors are bound by the Hippocratic Oath to be committed to the health and well-being of their patients.
We are aware that county governments have shut down due to grievances over delayed release of cash, affecting provision of health services.
Governors have indicated that hospitals will limit admissions to hospitals. All voices of reason have called on governors to ensure that critical services such as health care are not disrupted even as they await cash from the Treasury.
Across the country, health care workers have downed tools, decrying delayed wages and allowances.
Pumwani ‘s case is not isolated. There are many similar incidents across the country which have not caught media attention.
We are aware health services in the City county have been assigned to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services under the power transfer deed.
The NMS must rise to the occasion and ensure that the Pumwani matter is not only addressed but doe not recur.
We also advise medical workers to handle their welfare disputes in a manner that does not lead to loss of lives.
They have a responsibility to Kenyans who have invested a lot in their education.
Medics have already been celebrated for their front-line efforts in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
They should not allow their work to be stained by negligence and negative attitudes.
