www.Kisii.Com: Syndicated news from only reputable sources [Nation, and Standard Newspapers, Kenya Times, KBC, etc.]
Lobbyists Want Conduct of Hospital Staff Probed
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 17 July 2007 23:02
Commissioner Khalifa Khelef and pathologists Emily Rogena and Andrew Gachii, made the appeal at the hospital after they were 'harassed' by members of the staff.
Dr Gachii said he was first asked for a 'cigarette' by a fellow medic before assisting him (Gachii) carry out a postmortem examination on an exhumed body.
This guy, in the presence of other professionals, demanded that I give him sigara (cigarette) after he assists me go through the procedures. I thought it was a joke but as we left the X-ray wing, two more well known medics stopped me demanding at least Sh1,000 each for their hand in making my work a success, said Dr Gachii.
He went on: 'Each was demanding at least' ngiri moja (Sh1,000 each) and seemed to be blocking me from leaving, forcing Commissioner Khelef to intervene."
Speaking after the bitter standoff, the trio said the boldness with which the members of staff had demanded a kickback, was a clear testimony that graft was entrenched at the hospital.
If we professional colleagues are harassed for bribes, what then does the poor and desperate patient go through?
The hospital administrator, a Dr Owuor and the medical officer, Dr Eric Obunga, could not be reached for comment as they were said to be busy in the wards.
But reached later, one of those accused of unbecoming behaviour, defended his action saying; 'they were on a private mission having been hired by a non-governmental organisation. What was wrong with them sharing their private fee with professional colleagues having used Government facilities free of charge?'
The latter's firm stand raised the question of who should be paying for medical undertakings carried out for non-State purposes at Government facilities.
