By D, KNA
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has sounded a stern warning to health workers allegedly diverting patients from public hospitals to their private clinics, describing the practice as unethical and exploitative.
Speaking at Chuka County Referral Hospital, Njuki expressed concern that despite the facility being equipped with modern, state-of-the-art machines including digital X-rays, advanced ultrasound equipment, and a CT scan with 128-slice resolution, the best in the region, some patients were still being lured away to private facilities.
“No patient should be referred to a doctor’s private clinic. These are public servants licensed to serve wananchi, not to exploit them,” Njuki cautioned.
The governor noted that patients suffer twice under this malpractice as they are forced to pay for services both at the public hospital and again at private clinics.
He accused some medics of prioritizing time in their private facilities instead of attending to patients in public hospitals.
Njuki announced that a confidential reporting system would be introduced to allow patients to discreetly report any doctor who refers them to private clinics
“Those who want to run private businesses should resign and focus on their clinics. You cannot hold two loyalties at the expense of the suffering wananchi,” he said.
He directed hospital authorities to take firm action against culprits, warning that disciplinary measures—including transfers, dismissal, and termination of contracts would be enforced against those found guilty.
He urged medics to remain professional and committed to serving the public, adding that the county had invested heavily in equipping its hospitals to ensure residents access quality healthcare locally without unnecessary costs.
Njuki reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upgrading county health facilities, saying the war on rogue medics was necessary to protect ordinary wananchi from exploitation.