By John Mugendi
Patients suffering from Kala-azar in Tharaka Nithi County will receive free medical treatment at the Marimanti Sub County Hospital in Tharaka constituency.
The county government made the announcement after a case of a 15-year-old boy who had been detained for nearly two weeks for failing to pay Sh14,000 medical bill was highlighted by the media.
The devolved government’s communication director, Mr Simon Kobia told the press that the county chief had directed the management of Marimanti Sub County Hospital to release the boy and treat for free all Kala-azar patients.
“Governor Muthomi Njuki has heard the cries and indeed directed Marimanti Sub County Hospital management to release the boy immediately and any other Kala-azar patient who could have healed but detained for lack of clearing the bill,” said Mr Kobia.
The Grade Seven boy at Kamacabi Primary School was admitted to the facility on November 11, 2021, and discharged on December 20, 2021 but his mother, Kawira Domiano had no money to clear the bill.
Ms Domiano told the media that, Ms Kawira Domiano said that the hospital management had maintained that it could not release the boy until the entire bill is cleared.
The woman lauded governor Njuki for his mercies noting that her son will now report to school.
“My son could have stayed in the hospital for many days because I had no money to pay the bill and that is why I thank Governor Njuki,” said the mother of four.
At least 10 people have died and several others suffering from the disease caused by protozoan parasites that are transmitted by the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies.
