The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has taken a family to court over an unpaid KSh3 million bill, which, according to the medical facility, is a small fraction of the total treatment cost. The hospital, in court papers, argues that the condition of the minor patient, who was admitted to the facility in February 2021 with severe TB meningitis, has since stabilised but is yet to be discharged or transferred to another facility.
Further, the hospital explains that the initial total for the treatment was KSh24 million, and due to the respondent’s financial status and inability to settle the huge hospital bill, the medical facility enrolled the patient in its welfare program, and the welfare committee decided to waive 78% of the incurred bill, which was coming to slightly over KSh13 million.
In addition, a well-wisher covered over KSh6 million of the balance, leaving the unpaid amount at KSh3 million as of May 2024. Aga Khan University Hospital says despite numerous phone calls and follow-ups, the minor’s parents have refused to provide consent for transferring the patient to a more affordable healthcare facility to prevent the medical expenses from rising further.
The hospital adds that the inability of the respondents to settle the bill is affecting the facility’s operations. The matter has been set for mention on July 28, with the court directing the involved parties to try and settle the matter out of court.
