MTRH Releases Teen Mothers Allegedly Detained over Pending Bills

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has released all teenage mothers who were reportedly being held over pending bills and issues linked to Social Health Authority (SHA) registration.

The move follows public backlash and viral claims, including a TikTok video and media reports, alleging that the new mothers were detained for failing to pay SHA premiums or register with the authority.

In a statement issued Sunday, MTRH confirmed that the mothers had been discharged, adding that the process had already begun before the reports surfaced.

“Those who were unable to present the requisite documentation for Social Health Authority (SHA) registration such as national identification cards or birth certificates had their cases reviewed and appropriately cleared by the Hospital Credit and Evaluation Committee,” the hospital said.

The hospital’s Credit and Evaluation Committee reviewed cases of mothers lacking documentation and cleared them to leave, in line with internal guidelines and patient support protocols.

Chief Executive Officer Philip Kirwa dismissed allegations of illegal detention, insisting that patients continued to receive care during their stay.

He added that congestion at the facility sometimes occurred when patients had not completed SHA enrolment, but measures were being taken to ease the process.

“Congestion may occur when patients have not completed SHA enrolment, but we continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health to ease the process,” MTRH said.

He also rejected claims that patients were being served leftovers, maintaining that all meals, supplies, and services met quality standards.

Earlier reports had pointed to congestion, bed-sharing, poor meals and delays in discharge attributed to SHA registration hitches.

MTRH urged Kenyans to enrol with the SHA and keep their contributions up-to-date to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare.