The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has confirmed that all mothers who were reported to have been detained at the Riley Mother and Baby Hospital have now been discharged.
In a statement on Sunday, September 21, the hospital also addressed concerns over cases involving mothers who lacked the required documents for Social Health Authority (SHA) registration.
“Following our earlier communication regarding the status of mothers who were in the process of discharge, we wish to inform the public that all affected clients have been discharged and returned safely to their homes.
“Those who were unable to present the requisite documentation for Social Health Authority (SHA) registration, such as national identification cards or birth certificates, had their cases reviewed and appropriately cleared by the Hospital Credit and Evaluation Committee in accordance with our internal guidelines and patient support protocols,” the hospital said.
MTRH further urged Kenyans to take advantage of SHA services to avoid disruptions when seeking medical attention.
“We urge Kenyans, including clients seeking services at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), to enrol with the Social Health Authority and ensure that their premium contributions are up-to-date for uninterrupted access to healthcare services,” the hospital added.
This comes days after the hospital dismissed claims that it detains new mothers, following a viral TikTok video alleging mistreatment of patients at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital.
In a statement on Friday, September 19, MTRH CEO Philip Kirwa clarified that all patients were receiving proper care in line with the hospital’s standards.
“Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has taken note of a short video circulating on TikTok regarding services at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital and wishes to clarify that all mothers received care and attention in line with MTRH’s high standards.
“Some of them were in the process of discharge but faced challenges completing Social Health Authority (SHA) registration. This was mainly due to missing documents, such as Identity Cards or Birth Certificates, or unpaid annual SHA premiums, which are required for bill settlement,” the statement read.
MTRH also refuted claims that patients were being served leftovers, noting that meals at the hospital meet quality standards.
“Services, medical supplies, and meals at MTRH meet quality standards, and claims that patients were served leftovers are therefore untrue,” the statement added.
MTRH further emphasized that it remains focused on patient dignity and urged Kenyans to comply with SHA requirements for smooth service.
“As a client-centric Hospital, we remain committed to treating all patients with dignity and care. We, therefore, encourage all clients to register with SHA and keep their premiums up-to-date to ensure smooth service delivery,” the statement further read.
The hospital noted that special measures are in place for vulnerable groups and reassured MTRH’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare.
“It is important to note that teenage mothers who do not yet have ID cards are facilitated with temporary IDs to enable SHA registration. Those who are unable to pay are reviewed by our credit committee and released home.
“We take this opportunity to reassure our clients and the public that MTRH will continue to provide safe, reliable, and quality healthcare. We remain committed to supporting SHA sensitization,” the statement concluded.
