A family in Nairobi is demanding justice after an alleged medical negligence at a private hospital left their 17-year-old daughter battling for her life.
The victim, who is now admitted at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) seeking further medical attention, underwent an appendicectomy surgery at a private hospital in Mathare.
Reports say the patient underwent two consecutive operations after her appendix allegedly began decaying. The second operation was performed after the first one was unsuccessful.
"When I reached the hospital, the officers told me my appendix had started decaying and it was an emergency and I was supposed to go to theatre, that was the first operation," the patient stated.
"I stayed for five days without doing day dressing, and the wound was decaying. I went back for a second operation, which also failed," she added.
According to medical officers at KNH, the patient developed severe and had an abdominal infection after the surgery. They did everything in their power to control the infection, which was critical at the time of admission.
The private hospital maintained that it adhered to all established medical procedures and standards, while placing responsibility on the patient’s family as it defended the care provided.
The hospital says on realising the patient's condition was worsening, they requested the mother to sign a consent form, that it says the mother signed, but the patient claims no form was signed.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), a body that regulates the training and practice of healthcare institutions in the country, reportedly launched an investigation into the matter in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), even as the family demands that the hospital be shut down.
Preliminary findings by investigators point to lapses in adhering to established medical procedures and delays in making crucial decisions, reports that directly challenge the facility’s claims of providing quality care.
KMPDC has reportedly initiated an official investigation into the matter as the investigations intensify.
The move comes hours after the authority closed another facility in Nairobi's Kawangware area, following the development of complications in another patient after a failed tooth extraction procedure.
KMPDC has further warned the public to remain vigilant and report suspected unlicensed practitioners in efforts to support essential healthcare and regulation.
