The County Assembly of Embu has launched a formal investigation into a disturbing case of medical negligence at Kiritiri Level 4 Hospital in Mbeere South Constituency, where an expectant mother was forced to deliver on the floor without medical assistance.
The incident, which occurred on the night of February 6, has sparked public outrage, leading to the immediate suspension of the clinical officer who was on duty at the time.
According to reports, the hospital was left unmanned when medical staff allegedly abandoned their posts following a power outage.
Hospital Left Unattended During Blackout
The matter was brought before the County Legislature on Tuesday by Muminji Ward Representative Newton Kariuki upon the Assembly’s resumption from a long recess.
Kariuki claimed that the clinical officers and other medical staff left the hospital unattended and went on a drinking spree after the facility experienced a power outage.
He further decried the lack of a functional backup power system, stating that preliminary investigations revealed the hospital’s generator was faulty and lacked fuel.
He expressed disappointment that a key health facility serving a large population had no contingency plan for power failures, leaving patients vulnerable.
Calls for Resignations Over Negligence
The issue has triggered a strong response from various Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), with Ruguru-Ngandori MCA Muturi Mwombo demanding the resignation of Health County Executive Committee (CEC) Member Jamal Runyenje and Chief Officer for Medical Services Benjamin Kisilu.
Mwombo accused them of presiding over a dysfunctional health sector and failing to ensure adequate medical services for residents.
Meanwhile, Kiambere MCA Lenny Masters pointed fingers at Mwea MCA Job Itumo, who chairs the Health Committee, accusing him of dismissing concerns regarding medical negligence.
Masters stated that two mothers from his ward had suffered due to medical malpractice and called for urgent intervention to prevent further harm.
Assembly Demands Action and Reforms
Several MCAs echoed these sentiments, criticizing the Health Committee for remaining in office for too long, alleging that prolonged tenure had led to complacency and close ties with the County Executive, making them ineffective in their oversight role.
They called for the rotation of committee memberships to foster accountability and prevent undue influence.
In response, Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Swaleh (Kirimari) acknowledged the gravity of the issue and directed the Health Committee to commence investigations immediately.
The committee has been tasked with compiling a comprehensive report with concrete recommendations for remedial action.
The unfolding probe is expected to shed light on systemic failures within the county’s healthcare system and pave the way for corrective measures to prevent similar cases of negligence in the future.
The public now awaits the Assembly’s findings and the county leadership’s response to this alarming incident.
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