Doctor Denied Treatment at KNH Dies After Delayed Medical Attention

Doctor’s Desperate Fight for Life

A doctor who dedicated his life to saving others found himself in a dire situation when he needed urgent care. Dr. Daniel Ndege Chacha, a 37-year-old medical professional, sought treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), only to be denied care due to a lack of medical cover. His desperate search for treatment led him to a local hospital, but his condition deteriorated. By the time he was referred back to KNH, it was too late.

Dr. Chacha was a trainee specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Nairobi’s KNH Campus. He relied on locum work to support his family while making remittances to the Social Health Authority (SHA). Unfortunately, when he needed urgent medical attention, he was turned away, leading to a series of tragic events that ultimately resulted in his death.

Hospital Negligence and Medical Mismanagement

After being denied treatment at KNH, Dr. Chacha had no choice but to seek care elsewhere. He visited a local healthcare facility, but instead of receiving proper care, he was mismanaged. His health deteriorated rapidly, and by the time he was referred back to KNH, his condition had worsened significantly.

According to Dr. Dennis Miskellah, Deputy Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Dr. Chacha developed an acute liver injury, which later affected his kidneys. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at KNH, but despite a week of intensive care, he did not survive. The total medical bill amounted to approximately Sh300,000, but SHA only covered a small fraction, leaving the family in distress.

KNH Refuses to Waive Bill

Despite Dr. Chacha’s dedication to treating patients at KNH, the hospital refused to waive his medical bill. His family, already burdened with grief, now faces a huge financial strain. Worse still, KNH has detained his body, demanding full payment before releasing it for burial.

Dr. Miskellah expressed outrage over the situation, stating that Dr. Chacha’s contributions to KNH should have warranted assistance in his time of need. He criticized the hospital for refusing to provide treatment when he was sick and for failing to waive the bill after his death. The late doctor leaves behind a grieving, expectant wife, adding to the heartbreak of this tragedy.

University’s Responsibility Questioned

A senior KNH official, speaking anonymously, stated that Dr. Chacha was not employed by the hospital and that his medical cover was the responsibility of the University of Nairobi (UoN). According to the official, postgraduate medical trainees are under the university’s jurisdiction, and KNH had no obligation to provide him with medical cover.

This revelation has sparked discussions about the welfare of medical trainees, many of whom work long hours without being formally recognized as employees or granted essential benefits like health insurance.

Doctors Demand Change

Dr. Chacha’s death has intensified demands for reforms in the healthcare system, especially regarding the treatment of medical trainees. KMPDU officials argue that postgraduate doctors provide essential services at KNH and other hospitals but are treated unfairly, with no job security or healthcare benefits.

Dr. Miskellah pointed out a significant flaw in the memorandum of understanding between UoN and KNH, which has left postgraduate medical trainees in a vulnerable position. He emphasized that KNH benefits from the hard work of trainees but refuses to acknowledge them as employees when they need assistance.

Nationwide Protests and Strike Notice

Following the tragic death of Dr. Chacha, doctors across the country have taken to the streets, protesting against delayed remittances to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Many doctors are currently unable to access medical care due to these delays. Protesters are also opposing proposed salary cuts for medical interns, which would see their earnings reduced from Sh70,000 to Sh40,000.

KMPDU Secretary-General Dr. Davji Atellah condemned the government’s failure to remit deductions, stating that healthcare workers should not have to struggle to access medical services while working in hospitals. He called for immediate changes to ensure that medical workers receive adequate health coverage.

As frustration grows, doctors have issued a strike notice, warning that if their grievances are not addressed, they will withdraw their services nationwide on May 9. The strike would affect hospitals across the country, potentially crippling the healthcare system.

Urgent Call for Reform

The union is calling for urgent reforms to ensure that all healthcare workers, including postgraduate medical trainees, receive fair treatment. Among their demands are the payment of trainees and the provision of comprehensive medical insurance for all healthcare professionals.

Dr. Atellah has urged Parliament to intervene, recommending a four-month moratorium on late premium payments by employers. He stressed that healthcare workers must be guaranteed access to medical services, regardless of administrative delays.

A Tragic Loss and a Call for Action

The death of Dr. Chacha has exposed serious flaws in Kenya’s healthcare system. His case highlights the struggles that many medical trainees face, working tirelessly without recognition or proper compensation. His family now faces an uncertain future, with financial burdens compounding their grief.

As doctors across Kenya push for reforms, the government faces mounting pressure to address these systemic issues. If changes are not implemented, the upcoming strike could disrupt healthcare services nationwide, putting countless lives at risk.

Dr. Chacha’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the need for urgent healthcare reforms. The very people who dedicate their lives to saving others should not have to fight for their survival. Until tangible changes are made, more lives could be lost unnecessarily, and Kenya’s healthcare sector will remain in crisis.