Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi waived hospital bills for sixty patients at Thika Level 5 Hospital, totaling over Sh4 million, on Tuesday.
The Governor issued an executive order directing the hospital to discharge the patients, some of whom had been admitted for more than six months.
On Tuesday afternoon, 24 patients were discharged, while the remaining patients awaited their release as the hospital management finalized logistics and assessed all eligible cases.
Thika Municipal Board Manager Gathii Kanyi noted that patients detained in health facilities contribute significantly to congestion, especially at Thika Level 5 Hospital, which serves multiple counties.
Speaking during the discharge of the first group benefiting from the waiver, Kanyi emphasized that although government hospitals operate as non-profit entities, they still incur significant expenses for patient care, which is typically reimbursed after treatment.
He urged the waiver recipients to register with the new Social Health Authority (SHA) and participate in the Kiambu Afya Health Plan, known as Wamatangi Care. This plan aims to provide enhanced medical coverage funded by the county government, helping to reduce unnecessary medical expenses in the future.
Kanyi added that the new scheme is comprehensive and would alleviate healthcare costs for families, having already been implemented in Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5 hospitals. It will ensure patients receive necessary care without being denied treatment due to financial constraints.
Wanjiru Mwangi, one of the waiver recipients, shared that she had been held at the hospital for four months after giving birth due to her inability to pay the medical bills.
“I faced a difficult situation after giving birth. I had planned for a natural delivery, but complications led to an unplanned caesarean section, which I wasn’t financially prepared for. I’m grateful to the governor for allowing me to return home to my family,” Wanjiru said.
Governor Wamatangi affirmed that his administration is committed to improving medical services in the county, focusing on easing the financial burden of medical bills for patients and their families during these challenging economic times.
