A middle aged woman is being detained at the Kocholya Hospital after she failed to foot her maternity bill of Sh8, 400. 

The single mother identified as Ms. Nyira Namulala, has been detained for two weeks now after she delivered on May 3, 2012. 

The hospital medical superintendant, Dr. Emma Namulala declined to comment on the matter with her mobile phone going unanswered. 

But contacted from Kampala where she is attending a workshop, Busia District hospital Deputy Director of Medical Services, Dr. Janerose Ambuchi said patients are not supposed to be detained.

Dr. Ambuchi who also supervises the operations of Kocholya hospital urged the woman’s parents to contact the hospital social worker seeking for fee waiver.

Patients have blamed the hospital management for arbitrarily detaining patients who are unable to clear their bills.

They appealed to the Minister for Medical Services, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o to find a lasting solution to the problems facing patients at the health institution.