The Ministry of Health has warned private health facilities and other health organizations from demanding huge sums of money from ailing Kenyans in need of critical care before they can admit them to their ICU and HDU facilities. This comes after reports from the media that some health facilities were using the pandemic as a money-making opportunity which the ministry termed as not only unethical and callous but unacceptable!
“I wish to remind our healthcare providers, both private and public that we are in a pandemic, and this being the case, it is not the time to punish our people through some self-seeking money-minting opportunistic escapades. Our people have already gone through difficult times with this virus. We cannot add more injury to them.” Said the health CS Mutahi Kagwe.
“It is better to save lives than carry the curse of millions of shillings made at the altar of sacrificing our peoples‘ health. Of what pleasure does such a venture achieve? I want to make a passionate appeal to all our health facilities to soul search on this issue and know that history will judge them harshly for the wrong choices they make during this pandemic.” He added.
The CS went ahead to urge Kenyans to adhere to the Covid-19 measures and avoid any behaviors that could lead them towards contracting the virus.
“Please ensure you strictly adhere to the containment measures we have advised. Wash your hands with soap and water, wear face masks at all times when in public places, maintain social and physical distance and avoid all forms of gathering be they social or political.” Said Mutahi Kagwe.
Positive cases today
The country has today reported 1,127 positive cases out of a sample size of 5,393 tested in the last 24 hours, among which 590 are males and 537 are females. The youngest is an eight-month-old infant while the oldest is 97. From the cases, 1,089 are Kenyans while 38 are foreigners with the positivity rate now standing at 22.1%. The total confirmed positive cases since the pandemic hit the country are now 123,167 and cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,425,377.
As per the county distribution, Nairobi reported 575, Nakuru 99, Kiambu 92, Machakos 66, Kisumu 47, Uasin Gishu 45, Nyeri 32, Mombasa 25, Kirinyaga 18, Nyandarua 14, Kitui 14, Kajiado 12, Turkana 11, Taita Taveta 10, Kericho 10, Meru 9, Kilifi 9, Kakamega 7, Trans Nzoia 7, Nandi 6, Siaya 4, Murang’a 3, Elgeyo Marakwet 2, Homa Bay 2, West Pokot 2, Embu 1, Garissa 1, Laikipia 1, Kwale 1, Vihiga 1 and Busia 1.
