New mothers who had been detained because of outstanding medical bills at the CGTRH on Monday / BRIAN OTIENO

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Mothers whose babies had been detained because of outstanding medical bills at the CGTRH on Monday / BRIAN OTIENO

Acting CEO of Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital Saumu Wayua has clarified how the Under Five Care programme operates, amid concerns over why some young children are still detained over medical bills.

The initiative, funded by the Mombasa government, ensures children under five from the county receive treatment with their bills fully covered.

“If the children have SHA, any extra amount incurred is covered under what we call the exemption for under-five children, supported by the governor’s office,” Wayua said.

Her remarks came as 130 patients, including children as young as two, were released after the county government settled their outstanding bills.

Wayua said those detained were mostly from other counties, which do not qualify for the Mombasa-funded programme.

“CGTRH serves the wider Coast region and receives referrals from other counties. These patients are not covered by the Under Five programme,” she explained.

The release programme focused on the maternity and paediatric units, the busiest in the hospital.

“We’ve been trying to ensure that all mothers receive the best care and are discharged on time,” Wayua said.

For expectant mothers not registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), the hospital covers SHA premiums, which are Sh10,000 for normal delivery and Sh30,000 for caesarean sections. Any costs beyond this are offset by the governor, ensuring patients do not pay out of pocket.

County officials, including education executive Mbwarali Kame and county secretary Jeizan Faruk, said the payment of outstanding bills was an Easter gift for the 130 patients.

Nurse in charge at the C-section ward, Bentam Irungu, said detained patients often overcrowd the wards, straining capacity.

“The C-section ward has 37 beds, but patient numbers sometimes reach 60, meaning up to four mothers share a bed,” she said.

The discharge programme has eased congestion, improving service delivery.

Medical social worker Ahi Dhaslim described the programme as a relief for hospital staff.

“Seeing needy patients go home is truly amazing,” Dhaslim said.

New mother Colleta Mrungu, who spent a week in hospital after delivery due to a Sh28,000 bill, expressed her gratitude. “My family and friends were struggling to raise the money. Now, the funds can be used at home to care for the baby,” she said.

The Under Five Care programme highlights Mombasa county’s commitment to maternal and child health, reducing financial barriers while enhancing hospital efficiency and patient welfare.