Gov’t Intervenes After Baby is Detained at Eastleigh Hospital Over Unpaid Bill

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has stepped in following the detention of a baby at Abyan Hospital in Eastleigh due to an unpaid medical bill.  

In a statement on Wednesday, July 30, KMPDC CEO David Kariuki condemned the incident and called out the hospital's management over the move. 

"The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) expresses deep concern over a distressing incident involving the detention of a child at Abyan Hospital in Eastleigh, Nairobi, due to an unpaid medical bill. 

"Such actions are wholly unacceptable, constitute a serious breach of trust, and undermine the integrity of Kenya's healthcare system,” the statement read.

Kariuki confirmed that the detained child has since been transferred to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital for continued medical care.

"KMPDC has taken swift action to address this matter, facilitating the immediate transfer of the child to Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital for continued care," the statement added.

Kariuki further stated that an investigation has been launched into the incident, and those found capable will face justice.

"The Council, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has launched a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable in accordance with the law and KMPDC's regulatory framework," the statement further read.

KMPDC issued an appeal to all healthcare institutions across the country, calling for a focus on ethical care and the protection of vulnerable patients.

"We call upon all healthcare facilities across the country to strengthen patient protection measures, enhance reporting mechanisms, and foster a culture that prioritizes patient safety and ethical practice. 

"The detention of patients, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children, violates the principles of compassionate and professional healthcare delivery," the statement concluded.

The child, a one‑year‑old, had undergone corrective surgery in Loitoktok, Kajiado County.

However, post‑surgery, the child suffered an overdose of anaesthesia, experienced two cardiac arrests, and lapsed into a coma. 

They were then referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), with a referral fee of Ksh50,000 paid to arrange ambulance transfer.

Despite clear referral letters directing to KNH, the ambulance diverted the child to Abyan Hospital in Eastleigh. 

Once at Abyan, the hospital demanded payment of a Ksh3 million bill before allowing the parents to visit or receive updates on their child. 

The mother, Esther Ulavu, along with family members, was reportedly barred from seeing the child unless they paid the full amount.