Culprits captured harassing nurse to face the law, warns CS Nakhumicha

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has condemned the assault on a nurse at Port Victoria Hospital in Busia County by a member of the public.

The incident, which was captured in a viral video clip, showed an unidentified woman and man verbally and physically attacking the nurse over the alleged delay in attending to a patient who had trouble breathing.

In a statement, Nakhumicha said the assault was not only an attack on an individual, but also on the entire healthcare system.

"This recent case of assault on a healthcare worker endangers their lives and disrupts the vital services they provide to other patients and the community," she said.

She warned that legal actions will be taken against the perpetrators and called for respectful engagements between the public and healthcare workers.

"Violence against healthcare workers will not be tolerated and any person culpable of such an act will face the full wrath of the law," she said.

The assault has elicited reactions from members of the public and different medical cadres who have demanded action against the culprits.

The Nairobi Women's Hospital College has identified one of the perpetrators as a student enrolled in a theatre technology program awaiting graduation.

The hospital said it has launched investigations into the conduct of the student and reiterated that it does not condone such violent acts.