Medical services at Transmara West Sub-County Hospital in Kilgoris have been paralyzed after an attack on health workers in the wee hours of this morning forced the management to shut down operations due to safety concerns.
The hospital was abruptly closed after armed persons stormed the facility on Tuesday night and assaulted nurses on duty, leaving several health workers nursing serious injuries.
The staff spoke to us on condition of anonymity, saying the attackers arrived at the hospital escorting a patient who had been involved in a road accident. The situation, however, took a turn for the worse moments after medical personnel assessed the condition of the patient and advised that he be referred to a nearby mission hospital, citing the severity of his injuries and facility limitations.
The referral recommendation reportedly incensed the group accompanying the patient, triggering chaos within the hospital compound.
“They began to turn violent almost immediately. The nurses were beaten, trying to perform their duties,” said one staff member.
Many nurses were injured and traumatised during the assault, whereafter the operations of the facility were suspended by the hospital management to safeguard staff and patients.
Those arriving for treatment at the Level 4 facility on Wednesday morning found the gates locked, leaving many stranded without access to vital medical services.
One of the residents, Mary Agnes from Lolgorian, said that she had been referred to the hospital for a scan but was shocked to find it closed.
“This is the hospital we depend on. Now it is shut, and we don’t know where to seek help,” she said.
Other patients had tales of frustration: “I have brought this child to get treatment and they say no,” said a frustrated parent.
“I came early hoping my child would be attended to, but the gates were closed. I am not aware of another place that I should seek for services for my child,” said the distraught parent.
Another patient said he suffered a leg fracture. He said he had travelled to the hospital for an X-ray, only to find that services were suspended.
The closure has sparked fear among residents, with growing calls for the immediate restoration of services and improvement in security at the facility for the protection of health workers and patients alike.
