KNH Announces Measures as County Health Strike Drives Patient Surge

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has announced measures to manage an increase in patient numbers and congestion.

In a statement on Thursday, August 20, the hospital attributed the congestion to the ongoing industrial action affecting health services in various counties.

"Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is experiencing increased patient volumes and congestion following industrial action affecting health services in various counties," the statement read.

KNH said the industrial action has resulted in more patients seeking services at the national referral hospital, including those who would ordinarily receive care at county-level facilities.

"As a national referral hospital, KNH is receiving more patients who would ordinarily access services at county and other health facilities. This has resulted in longer waiting times and delays, particularly for non-emergency services," the statement added.

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KNH has consequently urged patients seeking non-emergency medical care to consider alternative health facilities closer to their locations where appropriate, in a bid to reduce pressure on KNH.

"Clients seeking non-emergency care are encouraged to consider other hospitals closer to them, where appropriate, to ease pressure on KNH and facilitate timely access to care," the statement further read.

This comes days after KNH responded to a media report concerning a bullet recovered from a patient during treatment at the hospital.

In a statement on Sunday, August 9, the hospital said the bullet was retained and preserved as part of the relevant medical and evidentiary records, contrary to claims that the recovered item was missing.

"The Hospital wishes to clarify that the bullet/projectile recovered during medical management was retained and preserved as part of the relevant medical and evidentiary records," the statement read.

KNH explained that recovered items are handled through established procedures and transferred to investigating officers through the appropriate judicial and investigative process.

"In accordance with established procedures, such recovered items are handed over to investigating officers through the appropriate judicial and investigative process for further handling and forensic examination," the statement added.

Reporting originally appeared via Nairobi Leo. Read the full source for additional context.