A section of Kenyans was irked by Ahero County Hospital's decision to temporarily close all male wards, as the shortage of nursing officers took a toll on the referral facility.
In a circular dated Thursday, October 27, the hospital announced that it had reorganized itself to cater for female and children patients.
"Due to shortage of staff in the nursing department, there will be a temporary closure of the male wards," the circular read.
Female patients at the facility were then asked to occupy the male wards after all the latter were discharged.
The decision caused a massive uproar online, with Kenyans questioning the rationale behind the decision by the hospital's management to bar men from seeking care from the facility.
"We have seven nursing staff who have left the hospital over the last one month for maternity and study leave, while some retired," a junior staffer told Nation.
Locals had lamented that male patients were disadvantaged and forced to seek treatment at other facilities.
The move by Ahero County Hospital came barely a week after Masogo Sub-county Hospital, Muhoroni Sub-county, temporarily suspended night duties and maternity services due to a staff shortage.
However, multiple reports indicate that the decision at Ahero County Hospital was overturned after the intervention of the county director of health, Fred Oluoch.
The inadequacies highlighted by the medical superintendent were then sorted appropriately.
County health officials are reportedly looking into the grievances raised by patients, doctors and other stakeholders.
