County Minister responds to claims of death caused by negligence at Jaramogi hospital

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu County Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation Dr. Gregory Ganda has responded over alleged proffessional negligence at one of the County's major health facilities.

For the better part of Sunday, a video clip made rounds on social media claiming that a pregnant woman had died at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) over doctor's negligence.

However, Ganda while addressing the press at the facility on Monday said the 25-year-old woman was not pregnant, neither did she die from negligence.

Ganda said Josephine Akoth succumbed while being attended to by a doctor, and that she had a history of sickness.

She was reffered from Chulaimbo county hospital.

"A doctor on duty noted that the patient was severely ill and exhibited dizziness, difficulty in breathing, fatigue and palpitations. On physical examination, she was found to be suffering from abdominal pain," said Ganda.

"Josephine’s sickness began 4 days ago. On Saturday 13th May she was taken to Coptic hospital in Luanda where she was treated for peptic ulcer disease and discharged."

He continued, "On Sunday 14th May, she was rushed to Chulaimbo County Hospital with difficulty in breathing and was very sick. Preliminary tests done turned negative for pregnancy and malaria. Her condition required a specialist care and was referred to JOOTRH."

His sentiments were backed by Dr. George Rae, JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The press conference was also attended by among others, Rachael Anyango.

She is the mother to the deceased.

She denied claims that her daughter was mismanaged at the health facility.

“My daughter was not pregnant. she had a stomachache among other complications."

Akoth leaves behind a nine month old baby.