Kidero sets up team to probe Mama Lucy hospital over baby's death

County Executive Committee Member Bernard Muia explains the circumstances that led to the death of 11-month-old baby Dominic Otieno at Mama Lucy Hospital Wednesday. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Nairobi, Kenya: Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Kidero has set up an audit and investigations team to probe into the death of three month-old Dominic Otieno who died in Mama Lucy Hospital on Wednesday while waiting to be transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment.

Dr Evans Kidero said that if the baby died due to negligence then the responsible officer(s) will face prosecution. “It is very unfortunate to learn that a child’s life was lost. I would like to assure Nairobi residents that we have launched investigations and audit to ascertain the cause of death. We are here to provide services to Nairobi residents and not to frustrate them,” he said.

The baby died because there was no ambulance to transfer him to Kenyatta for better medical attention. Health Executive Bernard Muia said the facility has only one working ambulance as the other three are broken down.

In a press statement, the governor said that Nairobi City County will continue unveiling health centers’ aimed at easing health facilitation in the county.

“Our success will be measured by how healthcare services provided by Nairobi City County government are improving the lives of Nairobians. We are more concerned with achieving the goal of quality and affordable healthcare for all and eventually being a model county in healthcare management and delivery.” he added.

The statement further states that Nairobi City County Government has continued to invest heavily in the provision of health care, health infrastructure, medicines and personnel to enhance service delivery.  

“We are more concerned with achieving the goal of quality and affordable healthcare for all and eventually being a model county in health care management and delivery,” said Kidero.  

In Mama Lucy Hospital, staffing of doctors and nurses is at an advanced stage to ensure efficiency and professionalism. Monies have also been set aside for completion of ongoing construction within the facility, according to Kidero's statement.