Shit hit the fan for the private healthcare provider, Nairobi Women Hospital after details of how they milk money from patients when they seek treatment in their Nakuru branches set feet into the limelight. The allegations came to light after screenshots of conversations claimed to be from a WhatsApp group of Nairobi Women’s Hospital staffers surfaced online.
To set the record straight, The Nairobi Women’s Hospital (NWH) board of directors issued a statement informing the public that it has begun an internal probe into claims that medical officers were exploiting patients, and were willing to work with the necessary authorities to bring the matter to rest.
“We have noted with a lot of concern reports appearing in various media platforms in the recent past suggests that there is some systematic approach by the hospital to unfairly generate revenue from patients. Although we don’t believe this is the case, and in fact, it is antithetical to our foundational principles, we take these allegations very seriously and are conducting an internal review as well as cooperating with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Council as they carry out their independent review,” read the statement in part.
But things took a different turn yesterday when its health insurers distanced themselves from the health care provider. Among them, CIC, Old Mutual, and AAR insurance have suspended their services at the hospital following administrative concerns.
“We wish to notify you that the credit services at Nairobi Women’s Hospital, have been suspended, effective 5th February. We request you to seek alternative healthcare providers from our panel. Kindly note that cash payments to the hospital may not be eligible for reimbursement,” read the notice by Old Mutual.
Insurances come in handy in footing hospital bills when the unexpected happens. This suspension will hurt insurance consumers who will be forced into financial constraints, as they will be forced to dig into their pockets to get quality services. However, those already inside the hospital will not be affected as revealed by an anonymous insider.