Heart surgery patient held by Coast hospital for failing to clear medical bill

Ms Damaris Mwema at the Coast Provincial General Hospital where she underwent a successful open heart surgery. She has now been detained in the hospital after she failed to raise the Sh186,500 medical bill. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • She had travelled to Dubai in May in search of greener pastures but in July she developed a heart problem.
  • She appealed to Kenyans to help offset her medical bill so that she can recuperate at her friend’s house in Migadini.
  • “God knows where I will get the cash to clear my bill,” she told the Nation at the hospital.

A woman who successful underwent open heart surgery at the Coast Provincial General Hospital has been detained at the institution over a medical bill of Sh186,500.

Ms Damaris Mwema, 25, was among heart patients who flocked the hospital when it opened its doors for the subsidised medical procedure.

The woman, who is trained in business management, had travelled to Dubai in May in search of greener pastures but in July she developed a heart problem.

“I did not know I had a congenital heart disease. When I told my parents about it, they were against surgery.

“As a result, I missed out on the first surgery that was to be conducted free of charge.

“I later decided to fight my own battles and paid Sh13,500, and underwent surgery on September 30, but now I have been detained,” said Ms Muema.

“God knows where I will get the cash to clear my bill,” she told the Nation at the hospital.

She appealed to Kenyans to help offset her medical bill so that she can recuperate at her friend’s house in Migadini.

A team of 12 heart specialists — led by Dr Peter Sore and Dr James Munene of Kenyatta National Hospital — conducted the successful open heart surgery.

Dr Sore said cardiovascular diseases are on the increase in the country due to the lifestyles of Kenyans.