Kenyan Health CS: Protest Victims’ Hospital Bills Covered
Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha
Health Kenyan Health CS: Protest Victims’ Hospital Bills Covered
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha reassures the public that all victims hospitalized due to anti-government protests have been discharged without any financial burden.
Discharge of Patients and Financial Status
Nakhumicha reports that they have discharged 235 out of 294 treated victims after providing care for various injuries, with no request for payment. Currently, 58 patients remain admitted, including one in ICU and three awaiting surgery.
Community Fundraising Efforts
Nakhumicha acknowledges public initiatives and comments on ongoing fundraising activities to cover medical expenses for protest victims.
“I have noticed efforts by some individuals to raise funds from the public to pay hospital bills for persons injured during the demonstrations,” stated Nakhumicha.
Online Fundraiser Led by Activist Hanifa Adan
Following the tragic events during the #TotalShutdown protests on June 25, activist Hanifa Adan initiated an online fundraiser named ‘Care For The Injured’. The campaign swiftly gained momentum, raising over Ksh.20 million within 20 hours.
Transparency and Accountability in Fund Management
Hanifa Adan ensures transparency in fund disbursement, outlining specific requirements for processing payments directly to hospitals and handling burial expenses.
“What you do is text me on WhatsApp with the invoices, and the hospital bank account details. M-Changa only works with bank account details and also send the document stating the injuries,” explained Hanifa.
Vigilance Against Fraudulent Activities
Despite the noble intentions, Hanifa warns against fraudulent attempts to manipulate the fundraising process with falsified documents.
“Some Kenyans are taking advantage of the noble initiative and have been sending doctored documents to access free money, prompting the need for proof,” cautioned Hanifa.
Human Rights Concerns
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports 39 fatalities, 32 cases of enforced disappearances, and 627 arrests in connection with anti-government protests, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns.
As discussions and actions continue regarding the aftermath of the protests, transparency in fundraising and accountability in healthcare remain pivotal. The government and civil society’s responses underscore a commitment to addressing the needs of affected individuals and ensuring justice and fairness prevail amid challenging circumstances.
