The government has responded to reports of mysterious sudden deaths of seven newborn babies in Baringo County hospital that occurred within a span of days allegedly after the temperature of an incubator was set too high.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, March 10, Baringo County Health Chief Mary Panga dismissed the claims terming them as 'scandalous claims without any proof.'
"We have not had such deaths in the department. As a hospital, we ensure that our patients are well taken care of and given the best care," she stated.
She further explained that the incubators at the hospital had safeguard measures to prevent overheating, adding that "the maximum temperature is 38 degrees."
Another claim in the initial reports was that the mishap was attributed to interns who were on duty at the time of the alleged incident, claims that Panga also dismissed.
She maintained that the hospital staff was qualified for the jobs and that interns were monitored by supervisors in the wards.
When questioned on the records of births and deaths at the hospital, she explained that the hospital could not avail records of childbirths due to confidentiality protocols as well as records handling procedures provided for by the Government.
The superintendent in charge of the maternity wing also responded to the claims noting that no such incident occurred in the hospital.
But he confirmed one death which occurred on Sunday, March 7, stating that it was an infant who had been abandoned outside the hospital and unfortunately died.
"On average, we have over 15 deliveries per day which translate to over 300 in a month and deaths do occur but the statistics are unavailable right now as they are gathered monthly," he explained.
A report in a local publication alleged that staff shortage at the hospital created a crisis forcing the administration to use interns to take care of expectant mothers and their babies.
