Sakaja visits Mbagathi Hospital, pays bills for detained patients

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered the release of patients with huge bills being held at Mbagathi Hospital.

Speaking during the hospital visit on Friday, Sakaja promised to clear the bills for the patients.

“There are those who've been discharged but are not able to go. I've ordered that they all be released from the facility. That they all go, I will get the count of how many they are, and I'll pay for them to join their families,” Governor Sakaja said.

Additionally, Sakaja paid bills for patients who had been detained for over one week.

This, he said, will help in creating space for more patients to get treatment at the hospital and to enable them to join their families.

“Those above a week and were discharged can be released,” he said.

While visiting the facility, Sakaja found doctors attending to patients in their various departments.

In a video clip on his social media platforms, Sakaja is seen having conversations with doctors and patients who were treated at the facility.

Sakaja praised the doctors for being committed to their work when others were striking.

“Thanks for coming to work, Asanteni sana, keep it up!” he told the doctors.

Sakaja said that doctors resumed work on Thursday following a press statement on Wednesday where he warned that those who don't report to work will face disciplinary action.

The doctors had joined the nationwide doctors' strike despite being county employees

While speaking at a burial in Nyeri County on Thursday, Sakaja said the doctor had resumed work.

He urged them to use better ways of raising their concerns instead of striking.

"I have a contract with Nairobi people to provide health services. We have equipped hospitals with medicines. Am happy to report that doctors are back to work in Mbagathi, Mama Lucy and Mutuini Hospitals,” said Sakaja.

"We can't play around with people's lives. There is a way to show solidarity with your national unions but not to endanger the lives of the people,” he added.