The family of Ruth Chepng’eno have spoken out about her tragic death after she was reportedly left unattended at Longisa Hospital in Bomet.
The incident sparked outrage online after a video was circulated showing the child writhing in pain in the hospital bed, while nurses were laughing in the background.
Her family has alleged that Ruth’s death was the result of neglect by hospital staff.
Speaking to the press on Monday, November 11, her Aunt Joan Cherotich narrated the ordeal of the fateful day, saying that Ruth was among four children who were severely stung by bees.
Also Read: Health Officer Confirms Death of Child Neglected by Laughing Nurses
Family Narrates the Ordeal
Joan recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that they begged Longisa Hospital staff to help the child, but they left her unattended for a long time.
After a while, they asked the hospital to refer them to Tenwek Hospital, because Ruth’s condition was getting worse with time.
However, Ruth did not make it to the hospital, and her lifeless body had to be returned to the hospital’s morgue.
“We told them to give us a referral and we took both children to Tenwek Hospital. But one of them was in a worse condition and she did not make it.
“The other child was attended to at Tenwek and doing better. The baby was left unattended for a very long time. We begged for help but nobody helped us,” she narrated.
Also Read: Fake Doctor Arrested in Wards Treating Patients at Govt Hospital
Hospital Puts Up a Defence
On the other hand, Joseph Sitonik, Bomet Health County Executive Committee Member (CECM) said that the county government was conducting its investigations into the matter.
According to Sitonik, the children arrived at the hospital at different times, and all were reportedly attended to.
However, Ruth who was brought in last was supposed to be admitted to the hospital after she started vomiting blood.
“They were all attended to. Two were even discharged but the other two were left for observation. There was a plan to admit them but one of the kids started vomiting blood,” he said.
Further, the CECM explained that hospital staff in the casualty department consulted senior personnel about Ruth’s worsening condition, and they recommended that she be transferred to Tenwek Hospital.
The family made the decision to take Ruth to Tenwek on their own, but tragically, Ruth passed away.
“The people in casualties consulted their seniors and they advised that the children are referred to Tenwek. The family decided to take the child to the hospital on their own. But we learnt that one of the children succumbed,” added Sitonik.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
