KNH to release 250 patients detained over unpaid bills

It is a relief for patients, relatives and families of more than 250 detained patients set to be released by Kenyatta National Hospital over unpaid bills.

The hospital management acknowledged there had been a public discussion on the topic of discharge of patients from hospitals and the financial strain in several hospitals nationally.

A report by the Ministry of Health put the number of patients detained at 184 while 387 bodies have not been released for burial for non-payment of almost Sh6 billion.

In a statement, the Board of Management of Kenyatta National Hospital has taken a decision to release 250 patients from the hospital wards this afternoon.

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A special team has since been formed to investigate cases of patients detained in various hospitals countrywide for failing to pay hospital bills.

Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache had tasked the team to probe nine private and public hospitals.

The facilities include Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital and Mater Hospital.

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