The Late Dr. Stephen Mogusu who narrated a chilling ordeal of his experience with COVID-19, is among the 1,545 who have succumbed to the virus. – By Gerald Gekara.
His ordeal has triggered an uproar among doctors, health workers and the general public who blamed the government for lack of adequate care.
The 28-year-old medical officer died at the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. He was stationed at the Machakos Level five hospital under the UHC programme.
However, of greatest interest is the huge bill that he left behind, and his lack of a medical insurance cover.
According to the family, Komarock modern hospital where the deceased was admitted before being transferred to KU has waived the outstanding Ksh 1.3 million.
The health ministry said that only 400 health workers and 15 doctors had not been paid, and the government was saddened by the loss of frontline workers.
“Indeed, I am glad to inform you that, of the 117 doctors hired under this program, only 15 have outstanding dues, with all the others having been paid their November salaries as well as all arrears for the period they have worked since employment Of the over 9,000 healthcare workers hired under the UHC program, approximately 8,600 have been paid their dues including all their arrears for the period worked” she said.
State of the Pandemic
Kenya so far has a total caseload of 89,100, with 425 more having recovered.
The number of infections has been on a downward trend this week after a worrying spike across the country with a sustained double-digit positivity rate.
The just-ended month of November has gone down in history as the worst period since the first case was reported in March.
Cumulative tests are now 938,936.
Currently, there are 1,102 patients admitted in various health facilities countrywide with 8,016 on Home Based Isolation and Care.
71 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 31 of whom are on ventilatory support, and 39 on supplemental oxygen. One patient is on observation.
Another 66 patients are separately on supplementary oxygen out of whom 58 are in the general wards while eight are in the high dependency unit.
The CAS continue urging for coperation and adherance as the government combats the virus.
“Since Coronavirus disease struck our country, it has made the lives of many Kenyans unbearable however we are glad that we have been able to make steps towards fighting this disease head-on,” she said.
