JOOTRH rejects claims of negligence after woman’s death

Kisumu, Monday, May 15, 2023

KNA by Robert Ojwang’ 

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) management have refuted claims circulating on social media that the facility was responsible for the death of a 25-year-old woman at the facility on Sunday.

According to the hospital CEO Dr George Rae, the deceased, Josephine Akoth succumbed to chronic Anaemia a few hours after she was referred to JOOTRH from Chulaimbo Sub County Hospital.

Dr Rae denied reports going round social media platforms accusing the hospital staff of negligence toward a pregnant woman.

“Josephine was brought in very sick, weak and unable to support herself. Blood investigations conducted showed she had chronic anaemia. She was also taken to ultrasound which indicated that she was not pregnant contrary to what the clip says,” said Dr Rae during a press briefing on Monday.

Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation Dr Gregory Ganda expressed shock over the misinformation spread by malicious individuals who were not privy to what was going on.

Dr Ganda reiterated that a comprehensive investigation done on the deceased revealed that she had a long history of Anaemia condition.

“Josephine was received by a medical officer who conducted some tests before she was taken back to the casualty section to stabilise due to her weak condition. Unfortunately, the resuscitation did not work and she passed on,” confirmed Dr Ganda.

He assured that staff at JOOTRH are striving to offer the best care services to patients and the public should disregard any false information being circulated on social media platforms.

“There is no cause for alarm. Whoever recorded and shared the video is not known and is not associated with the deceased family. Besides, we condemn the act as it is unlawful to take photos of the sick while getting treatment without their consent,” stated Dr Ganda.

The CECM revealed that the referral facility has undergone restructuring and has improved service delivery to meet the expectations of the clients.

He noted, that  JOOTRH  has worked on reducing patients’ mortality rate by half in the past 3 years.

“We always strive to offer the best services to our clients. Lately, in Kisumu County the maternal mortality rate has reduced from over 450 per 100,000 births to 200 translating to a 30 percent decrease, “stated Dr Ganda.

Rachael Anyango, the deceased’s mother also denied the allegations of medical negligence on her daughter’s demise.

She condemned and termed the actions of some unidentified individuals to share viral clips of her dying daughter as despicable and a plan to mint cash over her miseries.

Courtesy; K.N.A