At least 30 mothers are stuck in the maternity ward of Thika Level 5 Hospital. They cannot leave after giving birth because they owe the hospital money.
Some have been there for over four months. Their unpaid bills range from Ksh.30,000 to Ksh.95,000.
Susan Wangari, a mother from Ruiru, shared her story. She said her hospital bill has grown to Ksh.95,000 since August 2024.
She delivered her baby safely, and the child is healthy. Yet, she cannot leave the hospital because of the unpaid fees.
Some mothers had babies with health issues. These babies needed extra care, keeping the mothers in the hospital longer. But many women were cleared to go home weeks or even months ago. They remain stuck only because they cannot pay their bills.
The festive season offered no joy to these women. Many spent both Christmas and New Year in the hospital. It was not due to illness but because of financial problems.
The mothers are pleading for help. They are asking the Kiambu County Government to cancel their debts. They also hope kind people can help pay the bills so they can go home to their families.
Thika Level 5 Hospital reports handling about 800 births every month. The high number of cases highlights the financial struggles many families face.
bring back Linda Mama
This situation highlights the harsh reality faced by many mothers and families who cannot afford basic healthcare costs.
The removal of programs like Linda Mama and the inefficiency of the National Health Insurance Fund’s Supa Cover (SHA) have worsened the situation, leaving mothers without crucial support.
For these women, the joy of welcoming a new life is overshadowed by the burden of hospital bills. As they wait for help, their only hope lies in the goodwill of others and the intervention of authorities.
Without immediate action, they remain confined, longing for the chance to return home and begin a new chapter with their children.
Follow https://kenyaonline.xyz