Kimaiyo aids officer unable to pay hospital bill

Eldoret, Kenya: Inspector General (IG) of Police, David Kimaiyo, yesterday intervened to help a police officer who has been detained in hospital over unpaid medical bills.

Constable Patrick Nyamu has been receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret since early this year when he was diagnosed with chronic malaria.

He was due to be discharged but had been held at the hospital over his inability to pay his bills amounting to Sh180,000.

The IG in a letter addressed to the Eldoret police chief officer directed the hospital to release the officer with an assurance that the bill will be cleared immediately.

Speaking to The Standard at his office, Eldoret East OCPD Nelson Taliti confirmed they had received the letter but said his office and colleagues from other stations were not aware that the constable was still at the hospital despite being treated and discharged.

"The officer who is stationed at Eldoret Central Police Station was supposed to inform us about the accrued bill on time in order to avoid such inconveniences. We are nonetheless glad that the IG has come to his rescue," he said.

When The Standard visited the hospital, there were a number of senior police officers consulting with the management to allow the patient's release.

NOT DETAINED

MTRH Public Relations officer Sellah Plapan dispelled claims that the officer was detained but said he needs to clear the bill before his release.

"It is the hospital's policy that any patient who accesses services at the private wing has to meet the bills. This is because of this wing's status and we urge the public to seek advice from the hospital or their bosses before making such a decision," she said.

Ms Plapan, however, said the management will consult with the police chiefs on the payment process after reviewing the IG's commitment letter.

"The hospital has provisions to assist a patient whose costs have risen once we receive a commitment from the next of kin or employer on the modalities of payment. For this case I promise we will consider," she said.