Sonko forms task force to probe Pumwani in 30 days

The entrance to Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi, as pictured on September 17, 2018. Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has set up a task force to investigate the hospital's operations following the deaths of 12 babies. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Sonko wants the team to "investigate the root cause" of the problems and file a report with its recommendations in 30 days.

  • Earlier today, a preliminary report on the deaths of 12 babies at the facility found that five of them died under unclear circumstances.

wNairobi Governor Mike Sonko has set up a task force to probe management and financial problems at Pumwani Hospital.

This was announced on Thursday following the deaths of 12 babies.

THIRTY DAYS

Mr Sonko wants the team to "investigate the root cause" of the problems and file a report with its recommendations in 30 days.

In statement by the governor's press service director on September 20, the members of the task force wre listed as acting health executive Charles Kerich, private sector gynaecologist John Nyamu, Dr Simon Mueke from the Ministry of Health and Joseph Karanja of the University of Nairobi's medical school.

Also in the list of 14 are Dr Anne Kihara (Kenya Obstetrics and Gynecological Society), Dr Carol Odula (Kenya Medical Association) and Mugure Kiambati (principal, Pumwani Maternity Hospital Nursing School).

Others are former Nairobi mayor Joe Aketch, former IG and current chairman of the Kenyatta National Hospital board David Kimaiyo, Evan Seqeuira (Aga Khan University Hospital), former Nairobi mayor Nathan Kahara, Dickson Mbugua (Matatu Welfare Association), Kenyatta National Hospital Chief Executive Officer Thomas Mutie and Aga Khan Hospital paediatrician Bashir Admali.

REPORT

Earlier today, a preliminary report on the deaths of the babies found that five of them died under unclear circumstances.

The report was issued by Daniel Yumbya, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB), which will carry out a probe.

Mr Yumbya reported that three babies were born dead while four died within 24 hours of life.

He also spoke of the shortfalls at the hospital, which he said does not have enough workers.

Meanwhile, the Kenyan National Union of Nurses (KNUN) has asked the government and the county to conduct a comprehensive medical audit of Pumwani.

SUSPENDED STAFF

The statement from Mr Elkana Jacob, also announced the reinstatement of all doctors and three nurses who were suspended in 2015.

The nurses were suspended for allegedly inciting others to strike.

"Comprehensive investigations have found that the three - Eunice Thaara Ngari, Magdalene Wambui Ngari and George Maroa Gibore - were not involved in any wrongdoing," Mr Jacob said.

He added that the governor asked all consultants and surgeons to ensure round-the-clock operations at the hospital.

Overtime allowances will be paid, he said.