Duale orders nationwide hospital reforms after KNH tragedy

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced a sweeping set of reforms across the country’s public hospitals.

This is following what he described as a “systems failure” at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) that tragically led to the death of Edward Maingi Ndegwa.

Speaking to journalists at KNH on Monday, CS Duale expressed deep sorrow over the incident and delivered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

“To the family of Edward, we’re sorry. The Ministry of Health extends its condolences to the Ndegwa family for such a sad ordeal,” he said

The Cabinet Secretary termed the events at KNH “unacceptable,” stating that the situation exposed critical gaps in the public healthcare system that must be urgently addressed.

“What happened at Kenyatta is unacceptable. That shows a system failure. I must address a humanitarian crisis,” Duale said.

He added that the Ministry had listened to growing public concern over patient safety and systemic accountability in public health institutions.

Tougher Hospital Security and Monitoring Measures

In response, Duale issued a directive to all national referral hospitals to immediately:

Conduct comprehensive security audits
Improve CCTV coverage in all sensitive hospital areas
Implement anonymous call monitoring systems
Enforce tighter control of visitors

“We’re improving CCTV coverage in hospitals to ensure all sensitive areas are covered for accountability,” he explained.

Further, all individuals—including police officers—escorting patients to hospitals will now be required to provide full identification and vehicle registration details.

“We will ask all persons, including police who bring in sick patients, to leave behind information, including vehicle number plate and ID. We aim to have anonymous calls in hospitals for security purposes.”

Alarming Numbers of Abandoned Patients

CS Duale also raised concern over the high number of patients still occupying hospital beds despite being discharged.

According to him, 443 individuals remain in various hospitals, either due to financial constraints or because their families have abandoned them.

“Some 443 patients are still in hospitals; some have no family to return to, while others face financial challenges,” he revealed.

“We ask Kenyans to step in and help us address these alarming issues.”

New Rapid Response Force to Reunite Families

To tackle the crisis of patient abandonment, the Ministry has launched a rapid response task force aimed at reuniting discharged patients with their families and supporting those without homes.

“We are working to ensure we have a society that is compassionate enough to accept their kin back,” Duale said. “443 abandoned patients will be reconnected to their loved ones.”

Rebuilding Public Trust

CS Duale concluded his address by calling on Kenyans to support the ministry’s reform efforts. He acknowledged that public confidence in the health sector has been shaken.

He However assured the public of the government’s commitment to restoring dignity and protecting all lives within the healthcare system.

“We understand that there is low confidence in our hospitals, but we urge you to be patient with us as we restore dignity,” he said. “We remain committed to protecting the life and dignity of all patients.”