Ambulance services are free Laikipia governor tells residents

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu has cautioned residents against paying for ambulance services, saying that the services are offered free by his government.

Speaking at Kinamba Trading Center in Laikipia West sub-County, the governor noted that despite ambulance services being offered free within the county, reports had reached him that some officers were demanding money from patients in order to provide the services to them.

“I have received reports that people are being charged in order to get ambulance services, no one should pay for such services and if it has to be paid, an official receipt must be produced as evidence,” he said.

The governor also put on notice officials demanding money from residents saying that the law would soon catch up with them.

Various counties have provided ambulance services to their residents since the advent of devolution however more needs to be done.

In February, Mama Lucy referral Hospital in Nairobi made headlines after a parent accused the hospital of causing his son’s death after he was denied emergency ambulance services.

Baby Dominic allegedly died while waiting for an ambulance to transfer him to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for further treatment.

Following the baby’s death, Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero set up an audit and investigations team to look into the death.

On Monday, the task force announced that it was satisfied with the treatment and care the boy received at the hospital.

After interviewing medics and staff at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital over the death of baby Dominic Otieno, members of the task force, however, pointed out that the facility, like other county hospitals, continues to grapple with the challenge of inadequate resources.