MP demands action over dysfunctional equipment in Nyeri public hospitals

Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge has raised alarm over what he termed as a troubling trend in the management of public health care facilities in Nyeri County.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nyeri town on Thursday, the legislator expressed dismay over reports that patients are being referred to private hospitals for services that should be available in public health institutions.

MP Mathenge cited a case involving a woman, a small-scale trader in Nyeri town, whose child is suffering from a heart condition.

According to the MP, the woman sought help at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital and was directed to the cardiac clinic, where she was advised to get an electrocardiograph and echocardiograph tests done.

“Despite the hospital being equipped with both machines, and having trained radiographers available, she was referred to a private hospital in town,” Mr Mathenge said.

“This is deeply disappointing, especially because the equipment was procured using taxpayers’ money," he added.

He questioned the motives behind the referral, raising concerns over a possible private arrangement between public health officers and private clinics.

“What is this special business arrangement between Nyeri County Referral Hospital and private hospitals? Is Governor Mutahi Kahiga aware of this practice, or does it have his blessings?” the MP posed.

He noted that even if the equipment was faulty, there are existing frameworks such as the National Equipment Service Program (NESP), which allows counties to access functional and well-maintained medical equipment through the Ministry of Health.

“Nyeri is among the 47 counties that signed onto this program. There is no reason why the governor should not act immediately and ensure the equipment is working,” Mr Mathenge said.

The MP also highlighted a similar situation at Mt Kenya Sub County Hospital, where patients in need of X-ray services are being routinely referred to private facilities due to a lack of functional machines at the public hospital.

“It has become the norm for our public hospitals to serve as referral centers for private clinics. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Mr Mathenge said the continued referral of patients to private hospitals, despite the availability of equipment and personnel in public hospitals, amounts to negligence and a betrayal of public trust.

“Most of the patients who seek services in public hospitals do so because they cannot afford the high costs charged in private facilities. Turning public hospitals into feeder institutions for private ones is unfair and discriminatory,” he said.

He called on Governor Kahiga to take full responsibility for the state of the county’s healthcare system, warning that failure to act would amount to abdication of duty.

“If Governor Kahiga cannot effectively supervise those tasked with managing our health services, then he should step down. This is a clear case of dereliction of duty, and we are not going to sit back and allow it to continue,” said the MP.

Mr Mathenge urged the county government to immediately restore essential services in all public health facilities and ensure that the equipment procured through public funds is utilized for the benefit of the people.

“Health is not a luxury. It is a right. Public hospitals must remain accessible, affordable, and functional for all,” he said.