Senator Hamida Kibwana has raised concerns over a possible disruption of services at the Nairobi Hospital amid the ongoing leadership and governance disputes at the facility and its parent body, Kenya Hospital Association (KHA).
Rising pursuant to Standing Order 53(1), Sen. Kibwana requested a Statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the ongoing governance disputes, regulatory oversight and potential implications on service delivery at the hospital.
The Senator cautioned that the dispute could undermine the institution’s ability to deliver critical healthcare services including patient care.
“The Nairobi Hospital has been affected by sustained internal disputes touching on the conduct of the board of elections, the legitimacy of the office holders, the exercise of trustees powers, major financial decisions, including proposed borrowing and capital expenditure.” she stated, alluding that the ongoing governance dispute at the premier facility raises serious concerns about institutional stability and the continuity of essential health services.
In her request, Sen. Kibwana asked the Committee to establish the current governance and administrative arrangements at both the hospital and the Kenya Hospital Association to determine whether there is stability in management.
She further sought clarification on whether the dispute has affected service delivery, patient care, staffing and overall operations, and what mitigation measures have been put in place and subsequently asking the Committee to ascertain whether patients, staff and the public are adequately protected from any adverse effects arising from the leadership wrangles.
The ODM Party lawmaker also called for scrutiny of the oversight role of the Ministry of Health, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council and other relevant bodies in ensuring that private hospitals maintain standards on patient safety, quality of care and ethical practice during periods of internal conflict.
Additionally, Sen. Kibwana questioned whether the existing legal and regulatory framework governing major private health institutions is sufficient to guarantee transparency, accountability and continuity of care.
She further noted that the situation calls for a review of policy, administrative and legislative measures to strengthen governance and public interest oversight of private health institutions.
By Anthony Solly
