Governor Kidero orders probe of Mama Lucy Hospital following infants death

Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero has set up an audit and investigations team to look into the death of three-month-old baby Dominic Otieno who died at the Mama Lucy Hospital on Wednesday.

Baby Dominic’s death made headlines after the parents of the infant claimed that their son died while waiting for an ambulance to transfer him to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for further treatment.

In a press release, Kidero indicated that if it is found that negligence by hospital personnel led to the death of the baby, then those responsible will face prosecution.

Kidero further stated that the County Government has continued to invest heavily in the provision of healthcare, health infrastructure, medicine and personnel to enhance service delivery.

He added that every Kenyan has a right to proper healthcare services, especially in the city where there is an eruption of many diseases due to high population density and other environmental factors.

Two days ago, the Nairobi County Government denied claims that staff at Mama Lucy Hospital denied an ambulance the 3-month-old baby, leading to his death.

Health executive Bernard Muia said the only working ambulance at the facility was engaged elsewhere while two others had broken down.

The parents of 3-month-old Gerald And Cynthia Otieno accused the hospital of negligence in the handling of their only son, forcing them to wait more than 5 hours for an ambulance to transfer. Baby Dominic had been diagnosed with chronic meningitis.

However, the hospital disputed the family’s statement saying their son was not referred to KNH at 10am.

On behalf of the hospital, Dr Muia admitted to a delay, blaming it on the shortage of ambulances. He however maintained that they assisted the family in getting alternative emergency services to the referral hospital.