Few hours after reports emerged that a patient suffering from a spinal injury was forced to sleep on the floor after being chased out of the bed due to non-payment of medical bills, a senior official has refuted the claims.
According to Mr George Ongaro, husband to the patient, Esther Ongaro, an unidentified member of management forced his ailing wife out of bed, citing the current Sh70,000 medical bill as the reason behind it.
However, on Tuesday, head of the hospital’s operations, Dr Kepha Onyari, said the patient was still under the intense care of the medics and the reports were well orchestrated to taint the good reputation of the hospital.
“I am sad to learn that someone is saying we denied patient bedding. The hospital is very sensitive and we ensure our clients are treated with utmost respect as possible. The reports are untrue and a wider scheme to make the hospital management look bad,” he said.
He challenged the Mr Ongaro, who reportedly circulated the message on Nyamira County Whatsapp forum raising a heated debate among residents.
“Our rights as staff are being infringed. Mr Ongaro should give facts rather than misleading the public over the same,” he added.
However, Mr Ongaro maintained his claims and accused the management of failing to admit his NHIF card to clear the bill.
“I am not mad to say my wife was denied beddings and was forced to use a floor as the alternative. They have yet declined to use my NHIF card and I am in a state of confusion,” he said.