Kenyatta National Hospital is in deep financial trouble after the National Hospital Insurance Fund failed to pay Sh800 million it owes the giant medical institution.
The hospital operations are already in peril, putting the lives of thousands of patients, who depend on the facility, at risk with hundreds already being turned away as the financial crisis threatens to get out of control.
The Star on Monday reported that despite patients having NHIF cover, they are compelled to pay cash if they have to see a doctor and get medicine.
Last week the hospital laid off five doctors, and a number of casual workers because of the financial strain brought about by the delayed payment.
Some medical and food suppliers have stopped supplying the facility because of accumulated debt, some dating back to October last year.
The hospital management blamed the National Hospital Insurance Fund for not clearing the Sh800 million, while the Prisons Department owes close to Sh200 million.
Some patients claimed they were no longer getting fruits in their diet, but KNH management dismissed the claims as false saying fruits are a key part of treatment and no patient had been affected.
A number of employees told the local daily that there were intermittent delays in salaries and allowances.
The parent of one patient only identified as James said his son was almost discharged while in pain and in bad condition.
“They wanted to release our patient who was in terrible condition. At the same time I was told to buy medicine that cost Sh5,000,” he was quoted by the local daily.
A diabetic patient, who asked that his identity be kept secret because of fear of reprisal, said he had not been given any medicine and was waiting for a transfer letter to seek treatment from other health facilities.