Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has ordered an investigation into allegations of malpractice by health workers accused of colluding with private clinic owners to exploit public health facilities.
Addressing the issue on Friday at the groundbreaking of the Uthiru Level Three Hospital in Kabete, Wamatangi acknowledged significant investments his administration had made in the health sector, including securing drug supplies and acquiring essential equipment. However, he expressed concern that some individuals were depriving patients of care and referring them to private facilities.
“Although we’ve managed to address many complaints in county hospitals, issues such as patients finding health workers missing, fabricated claims of service unavailability, and alleged drug shortages are resurfacing, causing public distress,” Wamatangi said.
He specifically criticized Thika, Kiambu, and Tigoni hospitals for what he described as an “artificial shortage of drugs.” Wamatangi warned that the administrators of these facilities must comply with regulations or face dismissal.
He instructed that drugs be visibly displayed in open pharmacies for patients to see and mandated that health workers prescribe alternative medicines if necessary, to ensure patients are not turned away when drugs are available.
“There are reports of health workers prescribing medicines that are in stock but directing patients to buy them at private pharmacies. I don’t want to hear about patients being sent to private clinics for tests or X-rays because we have these services in our facilities,” Wamatangi stated.
The governor also highlighted that several corrupt health workers had already been arrested and charged in court. He urged heads of health units to assist in identifying and addressing the misconduct among their staff to improve the county’s reputation.
