Ten workers busted in Kapenguria hospital cash theft syndicate

The main entrance to Kapenguria County Hospital, in West Pokot County. [File, Standard]

Ten workers suspected be running a revenue pilferage syndicate at Kapenguria County Hospital have been arrested and will be arraigned soon.

According to Governor Simon Kachapin the suspects have been stealing cash from the patients' payment system.

"We have people who have been colluding to steal money that was being collected in the hospital every day. They are our sons but they will serve as an example to others," he said.

Mr Kachapin revealed that initial investigations showed that after stealing the funds, the suspects erase the information with the help of an information technology expert.

"We have not traced the money, but we have managed to arrest them. If you pay cash, they take it randomly," he said, adding that the county has put measures in place to curb the theft.

"They take the money and share it immediately," Kachapin revealed. He vowed to crack down on architects of theft of funds in public health facilities.

The governor was speaking on Tuesday while presiding over the inauguration of West Pokot County Facility Improvement Fund board members. He said that his administration envisions a healthcare system that prioritises prevention, early intervention, and holistic care to improve healthcare outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of the community.

Healthcare initiatives

He said the new board members will oversee and guide healthcare initiatives in the county's referral and sub-county hospitals.

"Their goal is to ensure that every resident has access to quality healthcare services that are equitable, affordable and inclusive," said Kachapin.

The county boss noted that the board members' expertise, experience, and passion for the sector will play a vital role in shaping the future of the county's healthcare system.

"We have full confidence in their ability to make well-informed decisions that will positively impact the health and wellness of our county," he said.

Kachapin urged the board members to collaborate with the health department and relevant parties to promote healthcare reforms. He said he was keen to ensure the sick were treated with respect and were not denied services and referred to private facilities for diagnosis.

"We want Kapenguria County Hospital to be a big hospital. We shall have many referrals from Sigor, Kacheliba, and Chepareria sub-county hospitals. We want them to have a few referrals. Our county is still behind and patients are still being referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret," he said.