MATERNAL MOTHERS DETAINED AT MTRH

Barely a day after various media houses highlighted the plight of maternal mothers detained at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Uasin Gishu County, the hospital management has released a section of the affected women.

However, questions remain as to what criteria was used in their release, as some mothers are still being held at the facility. Those left behind have stated favoritism, saying they too deserve freedom and they too want to be released and go home.

The mothers are reportedly detained over unpaid medical bills, with some having spent upto three months in the hospital. Accounts from those still inside paint a grim picture: infants suffering from infections, mothers forced to share beds, and some even sleeping on the floor.

A group of human rights activists has now moved to court, seeking orders to compel the hospital management to release all detained mothers, terming the practice a gross violation of women’s rights.

“From the reports we have received, some mothers have been here for months. Their children are sick, and some are even forced to sleep on the floor. This is a clear violation of their dignity and their rights,” one activist told reporters.

The unfolding crisis has reignited debate over the state of healthcare financing in the country and the burden of medical bills on vulnerable families.

Ends…

By Jesline

John

The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.