Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has introduced new pointers focusing on referral hospitals throughout Kenya, following the tragic demise of a younger affected person at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) on July 11, 2025.
Speaking after a disaster assembly with CEOs of all nationwide referral hospitals, Duale mentioned the federal government is transferring swiftly to implement pressing reforms.
The guidelines are geared toward rebuilding public confidence and safeguarding affected person welfare. The assembly was additionally attended by Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga.
Duale mentioned that affected person security is non-negotiable, noting that safety and operational measures are being tightened with instant impact.
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Key Changes Announced
Among the important thing modifications is the enforcement of stricter customer protocols.
All referral hospitals will now observe a two-visitor restrict per affected person, and necessary screening might be carried out in any respect entry factors to keep away from potential dangers and improve security within the wards.
The Health CS additionally unveiled a nationwide high quality assurance program designed to enhance affected person care and hospital accountability.
The reforms embrace:
- Regular affected person security rounds in wards and demanding items;
- Strengthened grievance escalation procedures;
- Introduction of nameless suggestions mechanisms for sufferers and caregivers;
- Continuous coaching of hospital workers on affected person rights and security requirements.
“Effective instantly, all referral hospitals will implement tighter safety measures: a two-visitor restrict per affected person and necessary screening at entry factors. This follows considerations raised by hospital management, underscoring a shared precedence, affected person security is non-negotiable,” Duale said.
Duale on Patients Abandoned by Families
Further, the Cabinet Secretary said that the Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Ministry of Interior and group leaders to assist hint households of sufferers who’ve been deserted in hospitals.
He famous that the objective is to make sure dignified discharges and correct placement of weak people into appropriate care amenities.
Duale pledged continued engagement to make sure the reforms are absolutely carried out and tragedies just like the KNH incident are by no means repeated.
“We should defend affected person dignity and guarantee such a tragedy by no means recurs,” he added.
The press briefing was attended by CEOs of nationwide referral hospitals, together with Dr. William Sigilai (KNH), Dr. Richard Lesiyampe (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital – JOOTRH), Dr. Zainab Gura (Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital – KUTRRH),
Additionally, Dr. Peter Muiruri (Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital – MKTRH), Dr. Nderi Lawrence (Meru National Teaching and Referral Hospital – MNTRH), Dr. Philip Kirwa (MTRH), and Dr. Shikuku Kibet (Samburu Integrated Teaching and Referral Hospital – SITRH) have been in attendance.
