Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna has called for the criminalization of the denial of emergency medical treatment and the retention of bodies by health facilities over unpaid bills, terming the practices inhumane and unconstitutional.
Speaking on inside the parliament, Nguna said no Kenyan should be denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints, emphasizing that access to emergency healthcare is a constitutional right that must be protected at all times. He stressed that every citizen deserves timely medical attention regardless of their financial status.
The legislator noted that the Constitution guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health, including emergency medical services. He said failure by some health facilities to adhere to this provision is a direct violation of the law and an affront to human dignity.
Nguna expressed concern that despite existing legal provisions, some hospitals continue to turn away patients in critical condition or delay treatment pending payment or proof of insurance. He warned that such actions put lives at risk and undermine public confidence in the healthcare system.
He further condemned the continued detention of deceased persons in hospitals and mortuaries due to unsettled medical bills. According to the MP, the practice is unjust and adds unnecessary suffering to families already grappling with loss and grief.
Nguna stated that holding bodies over unpaid bills is not only unethical but also a violation of the rights of both the deceased and their families. He urged health institutions to adopt humane and lawful approaches when dealing with families facing financial challenges.
The Mwingi West lawmaker called on Parliament to introduce clear and firm legislation that would make it a criminal offence for any health facility to deny emergency treatment or withhold bodies over unpaid fees. He said such laws would ensure accountability and protect vulnerable citizens.
He also urged the Ministry of Health and relevant regulatory bodies to strengthen oversight and enforcement to ensure all health facilities comply with constitutional and legal requirements. Nguna proposed strict penalties, including fines and closure of non-compliant institutions.
The MP emphasized the need for reforms within the healthcare sector to restore dignity and fairness in service delivery. He said healthcare providers must prioritize saving lives and respecting families rather than focusing solely on financial considerations.
Nguna maintained that protecting the dignity and rights of patients and their families must remain a national priority, calling on leaders across all sectors to support measures that will safeguard access to emergency healthcare and uphold justice for all Kenyans.
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