A message from concerned residents of Kutulo Sub-County in Mandera County has exposed the alarming state of Kutulo Level 4 Hospital, where critical healthcare needs are being neglected, with severe consequences for the community.
There is an ongoing shortage of doctors, leaving the hospital unable to handle emergencies effectively.
The situation is further aggravated by unacceptable behavior from some nurses, whose negligence and rudeness are putting lives at risk, particularly for infants and children who suffer from inadequate care.
In emergencies, residents of Kutulo often have no choice but to rely on proboxes or Hiluxes for transportation to the hospital, as proper ambulances are unavailable when needed.
Last week, a woman in labour had to endure further distress after being referred to another location, despite an emergency ambulance being on hand.
The officials responsible were absent, only returning later to collect funds for polio vaccinations.
Some staff members are reportedly running their own private practices, leaving the hospital understaffed.
Many nurses, both local and those married into the area, are neglecting their duties by staying home during the day, leaving patients without care.
This has led to some patients, including the elderly and children, suffering overnight without attention.
Tragically, in some cases, this has resulted in deaths.
Local residents are now urgently demanding immediate intervention, not only from Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, whose leadership has long been expected to address such critical health crises, but also from key health agencies such as the Ministry of Health, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), and the Mandera County Health Department, all of whom must step in to address the failures at Kutulo Level 4 Hospital and hold those responsible accountable for the neglect and incompetence that has led to tragic losses in the community.
The severity of this situation cannot be overstated, and it is clear that without swift action, lives will continue to be put at risk as local healthcare services continue to deteriorate due to the complete absence of leadership and accountability from both hospital management and local government officials.
“Hello Nyakundi. Please hide my identity and post this.
The state of Kutulo Sub-County Level 4 Hospital in Mandera County is alarming. There is a critical shortage of doctors available for emergencies, and the behavior of certain staff members, particularly Nurses, is unacceptable. Their rudeness has led to tragic outcomes, especially for infants and children suffering from inadequate care.
Residents of Kutulo often rely on local probox or Hilux vehicles for emergencies. Just last week, a woman in labor pain had to be referred to Elwak, costing Ksh 15,000, despite the availability of an emergency ambulance. The three officials in charge were nowhere to be found, only appearing to collect funds for polio vaccinations. Some are also busy running their private facilities elsewhere.
Many Nurses, both local and those who have married here, neglect their responsibilities by staying home during the day. Consequently, many patients suffer and some even die due to this negligence.
It is common for patients to spend the night in pain at the hospital without any attention. This raises serious concerns about the quality of healthcare in our village and highlights poor leadership and lack of accountability.
During emergencies, some Nurses make phone calls for help instead of providing immediate care. Why don’t they stay at the hospital to attend to patients? What is their job? Some arrive slowly from home, dressed casually and appearing uncooperative, leaving patients in pain waiting for assistance.
This negligence is unacceptable, and immediate action is needed to ensure effective and respectful service delivery.”
