The County Government of Machakos, on Monday, led a thorough clampdown at Shalom Hospital Athi River branch, after a video of a lady delivering at the reception while nurses enjoyed their tea went viral over the weekend.
Machakos Governor, Alfred Mutua, affirmed that a team of investigators had been deployed and successfully carried out an inspection at the hospital leading to the arrest of hospital staff.
"Today, a high delegation investigative team made up of both National and County Government officials, on my invitation, visited the private run Shalom Hospital in Athi River," the Governor tweeted.
Edna Nyarangi, an alleged nurse was arrested following the crackdown after records revealed that she was not a registered practitioner.
The hospital administrator, Thomas Ndolo, was apprehended as well, with the governor revealing that the official was facing charges of hiring quarks and contravening law and procedures.
Another nurse at the privately run hospital, John Ndege, had his nursing license revoked for a period of 3 months, with a compulsory 3-month training at the Kenyatta National Hospital required in order to attain it again.
Samuel Ongoya and Dr Mutembei Itunga were reprimanded as well, with the latter accused of failing to implement infection prevention controls at the facility.
Governor Mutua also stated that the institution was subject to closure following the conclusion of a month-long investigation, with charges such as employing unlicensed personnel, lack of staff orientation leading to worse outcomes and lack of supervision being mentioned.
The office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was also invited to carry out further investigations on the owners of the health facility with the possibility of charging them with criminal negligence.
"Healthcare is a fundamental right. Money should NOT take precedence over the respect of human life," Governor Mutua asserted.
