This archive report was first published on 22 December 2019.
On December 22, 2019, the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (KNUMLO) sounded the alarm over a disturbing trend in Kenya's healthcare system.
The union revealed that an estimated three out of 10 patients in Kenya receive the wrong diagnosis or treatment, with the cases attributed to poor quality testing.
KNUMLO Secretary-General Enock Wanyonyi explained that the cases are the result of substandard testing, with HIV, H. pylori, and tuberculosis being the most affected.
Wanyonyi noted that many cases of HIV misdiagnosis have been reported, with patients being wrongly put on anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs due to substandard rapid test strips.
He also highlighted cases of patients being put on anti-tuberculosis drugs while those wrongly diagnosed with H. pylori have ended up with ulcers.
Wanyonyi further noted that the majority of the cases are in Nairobi, with the H. pylori kit costing Sh6,000, an unnecessary expense for many.
"Many are suffering in silence as the ministry has condemned them in the name of saving numbers to attract donor funds. Only the brave ones have dared to talk but the ministry is doing its best to silence them," Wanyonyi said.
The union wants the government to ensure disease testing is only done by qualified personnel, using validated reagents and equipment, in accordance with world best practices.
KNUMLO chairperson Cliff Randa also raised concerns about preparedness for diseases such as Ebola and anthrax, saying the government has neglected laboratory officers.
