Children who suffered paralysis to undergo screening

The 28 children who suffered paralysis after alleged medical negligence at Akichelesit Dispensary will be screened afresh to ascertain their current health status.

The decision was made after the children camped outside Governor Sospeter Ojaamong's office, demanding medical support after their condition worsened.

According to the county chief of staff Robert Papa, the county government has stepped in to ensure that the children get proper medication.

"Four doctors have been assigned to Akichelesit Dispensary to screen the children to ascertain their current health status. We will do everything possible to address their medical challenge," said Papa.

He added: "We seek specialised medication for them if that will be the only solution to get them healed."

Last week, the children accompanied by their parents sought audience with Governor Ojaamong over their health which they said was getting worse by the day.

Their team leader Mathew Edijai asked the county government to intervene and have the children screened afresh. "We want experts to establish the 'poisonous substance' that recurs in the bodies of our children that makes them develop high temperatures and headache that results in memory lapse," said Mr Edijai.

He accused the county government of abandoning the children even after committing to continue giving medication to the children.

"We left Nairobi in a better condition but now you can see we are in a bad situation. Children are now developing wounds in their feet. We are afraid this might complicate their health situation," Mr Edijai said.

"We visited county government on 11th of this month and they promised to intervene. To date, nothing has been done. That's why we have decided to come and camp here," he added.

Teso North MP Arthur Odera has accused county health officers of incompetence and negligence. "This is just one of the cases. We have many such cases of incompetence in our health facilities in the county," he said.