Officials Refute Claims of Negligence at Isiolo Referral Hospital Amidst Senator’s Controversial Visit

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Isiolo, Kenya| Isiolo County Teaching and Referral Hospital (ICTRH) found itself at the center of controversy on Saturday after Senator Fatuma Dullo made an unannounced visit to the facility.

Accompanied by a group of bloggers, photographers, and a large entourage of supporters, the senator’s visit has sparked heated debate, with health officials refuting claims of negligence and accusing the senator of spreading misinformation.

The drama unfolded at the hospital’s casualty department, where Senator Dullo conducted what she termed a “fact-finding mission.”

Videos circulating on social media show the senator questioning a visibly distressed medical officer, who reportedly feigned being off-duty to avoid confrontation.

The tense exchange has drawn widespread attention, with accusations of intimidation directed at the senator.

Health department officials, speaking anonymously, have disputed the senator’s allegations.

They stated that the lifeless body she claimed had been unattended since 3:00 p.m. had only arrived half an hour prior.

The officials explained that standard hospital protocol requires the person bringing a body to obtain an Occurrence Book (OB) number from the police before the body can be processed for the morgue.

According to the officials, the individual accompanying the deceased caused a scene and left without completing the required procedures, leaving the staff in a difficult position.

Disruption of Hospital Services

Hospital staff have accused the senator’s entourage of causing significant disruption.

Witnesses reported that medical personnel scattered in fear upon the arrival of the senator’s group, mistaking the commotion for a potential riot.

Others sought refuge in restrooms and other areas, recalling past incidents where the senator allegedly reprimanded hospital staff harshly.

The disruption reportedly delayed patient services for nearly half an hour, exacerbating an already strained healthcare environment.

“Such incidents jeopardize not only the safety and dignity of medical professionals but also compromise the timely delivery of critical healthcare services,” a senior health official remarked.

In the video below, the senator is heard speaking to a medic with a seemingly condescending tone appearing to belittle his career as a nurse. Watch the video in the windo below:

Accusations of Misinformation

Health officials have also accused bloggers associated with the senator of spreading misleading information on social media platforms such as TikTok.

They claim that some of the videos being circulated depict unrelated facilities that are not under the management of Isiolo County Government.

One of this is a video shared by a user known to be working for the senator. The clip was that of Akadeli Dispensary which lies under the jurisdiction of the National Government.

Defending Isiolo County’s Healthcare Efforts

The officials strongly refuted claims that the county administration, led by Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan (Guyo), has neglected the health sector.

They highlighted significant improvements, including the provision of modern medical equipment, consistent medicine supplies, and an overall enhancement of healthcare services within the county.

“The current administration has been proactive in addressing the challenges faced by the health sector. Baseless allegations only serve to politicize healthcare, to the detriment of the local community,” an official noted.

Health workers are now urging government agencies and medical unions to intervene to ensure the safety and conducive working conditions of healthcare practitioners.

They emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where medical professionals can perform their duties without fear of political interference or public humiliation.

The officials also appealed to Senator Dullo to approach healthcare concerns through constructive dialogue rather than confrontational tactics. “Healthcare should never be politicized. The well-being of the community must remain the priority,” they stressed.

The incident has sparked outrage among Isiolo residents, with some questioning the senator’s approach to addressing alleged shortcomings and others criticizing her methods as counterproductive and detrimental to the overall welfare of the local community.

As the dust settles, stakeholders are calling for a balanced approach to resolving healthcare challenges in Isiolo County—one that prioritizes collaboration over confrontation and ensures the dignity and safety of all parties involved.

This incident underscores the need for constructive engagement and mutual respect between public officials and healthcare workers to achieve the shared goal of quality healthcare for all.


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