Woman stuck in hospital for 16 months over medical bill

By LINAH BENYAWA

A 21-year-old woman has been detained at the Coast Provincial General Hospital for 16 months after failing to raise a medical bill amounting to Sh400,000.

Joyce Waithera (pictured) who has had one of her legs amputated following a road accident has been living at the referral hospital since February 16, last year, even after the doctor in charge gave her a discharge letter on July 7.

She is unable to move from her hospital bed following the debt.

During the accident, Waithera who was eight and-a half months pregnant lost her baby.

KNOCKED DOWN

According to her cousin Jane Kariuki, Waithera was a casual labourer and her family is unable to raise the amount. Ms Kariuki said Waithera was going to Port Reitz Hospital in Changamwe, Mombasa, for a medical check-up when she was knocked down by a speeding lorry.

“The bill has become huge and the family is unable to raise the money. Waithera got a discharge letter on July 7 but she has been forced to stay in the hospital because we do not have the money to pay for her discharge,” said Kariuki.

According to a medical charge sheet from the provincial hospital seen by The Standard, Waithera was admitted on February 16 last year.

She  was at female ward number 8 and was to be discharged on July 11.