MPs recommend compensations for KNH surgery victims

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) operation victim John Nderitu (C) consult his Mother Veronica Wanjiru (L) and his sister Pauline Nderitu when they appeared before the health Committee at Continental House, Nairobi on March 14, 2018. [Photo by Boniface Okendo/Standard]

Lawmakers have recommended compensation for the two patients involved in the surgery mix-up at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

The MPs also want them offered further treatment in a facility other than KNH.

These are part of amendments the MPs introduced to a report by the House Health committee that also recommended the 11-member board of KNH be dissolved.

Simon Kimani was mistakenly wheeled into the theatre for brain surgery instead of John Nderitu.

National Assembly Leader of Majority Aden Duale, who moved the changes, also called for punishment of the medics involved in the surgery.

“The Kenyatta National Hospital case is a sad story. Patients are treated for wrong ailments. You go with a knee injury you are given tuberculosis tablets,” said Mr Duale.

He wondered why KNH had continually failed to offer high quality health services yet it received more than Sh5 billion from the exchequer every year.

Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno said the patients should seek a second opinion on their conditions.

“Medical mishaps happens and the affected are compensated,” he said.

But Minority Chief Whip Junet Mohammed said the recommendations fell short of expectations. He said top officials in the health sector should have resigned.

Mr Mohamed criticised some of his colleagues for defending suspended KNH Chief Executive Lily Koros.