A critical blood shortage at Embu Level 5 Hospital has sparked public outrage after an expectant mother reportedly waited for several days to undergo a life-saving Caesarean Section (CS) due to shortage of blood required to facilitate the operation.
The woman, who had been scheduled for the procedure since Saturday and in labor pain, could not undergo the operation until Thursday, July 9th when members of the public stepped in to donate the required blood.
The intervention, led by local politician James Ireri, popularly known as “Soldier,” came as a relief to the woman as the facility could now securely proceed with the surgery.
Speaking after donating blood, Ireri said he mobilized a team of volunteers immediately after learning of the woman’s predicament and were able to donate several pints that will also assist other patients in need of blood transfusion.
“I received a call informing me that a patient had been stranded at the hospital because there was no blood available for her operation. We stepped forward and thankfully, the donations will assist the doctors to perform the operation,” he said.
Ireri criticized the management of Embu Level 5 Hospital and the Embu County Government, describing the situation as unacceptable for a referral facility.
He argued that no patient should face delays in receiving emergency treatment due to the unavailability of blood.
“Residents should not have to risk losing their loved ones because essential medical supplies are unavailable,” he lamented.
Another well-wisher, Mary Mbuya, said it was heartbreaking to watch a patient remain in hospital for several days without receiving the necessary procedure.
She questioned why alternative sources of blood were not secured sooner, arguing that such delay could have placed both the mother and her unborn child at serious risk.
“It was painful to see her remain in hospital for days while in need of urgent medical attention. Hospitals should do everything possible to save lives,” she said.
A boda boda rider who also participated in the blood donation exercise echoed similar concerns, alleging that accident victims frequently encounter delays in receiving emergency care at the facility.
The Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bancy Wawira, exonerated the hospital from any wrongdoing, claiming blood donation, collection, and distribution was a function of the National Government.
Speaking via a phone call, the CEO further said her issue was not an emergency as alleged by the volunteers, saying she was not yet due for delivery that was scheduled for next week on 17th.
By Samuel Waititu
