MTRH denies detaining mothers over SHA fees, dismisses claims of serving leftover meals

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has dismissed allegations that new mothers were being detained at its Riley Mothers and Baby Wing over unpaid Social Health Authority (SHA) fees.

The claims gained traction after a viral TikTok video and a September 18 exposé by Daily Nation reported overcrowding, patients sharing beds, and mothers allegedly unable to leave the facility due to unpaid premiums. The investigation also claimed patients were being served poor meals and leftovers.

In a statement issued on Friday, MTRH Chief Executive Officer Philip Kirwa said all mothers were receiving care and none had been unlawfully held at the hospital. He explained that delays in discharge were linked to SHA registration challenges, including missing identification documents, incomplete birth certificates, or unpaid annual premiums.

Kirwa also dismissed reports that patients were being served leftovers, insisting the hospital’s meals and supplies meet the required quality standards. He clarified that teenage mothers without national IDs are issued temporary documents to facilitate SHA registration and avoid unnecessary delays.

“Congestion may occur when patients have not completed SHA enrolment, but we continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health to ease the process,” Kirwa said.

MTRH further noted that pressure on space and resources is sometimes caused by patients who could otherwise be treated at lower-level hospitals. The Daily Nation investigation had quoted mothers who said they were forced to share beds, sleep in shifts, and purchase basic necessities such as soap and diapers due to shortages.

One of the mothers interviewed, 22-year-old Melvin Nyagoha, said: “We sleep in shifts. Sometimes three people share one bed, while others sleep on the floor. We have no diapers, no soap, no basic necessities. We have no money here to buy those items.”