KNH Overwhelmed as Health Workers’ Strike Pushes More Patients to Hospital

Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) is experiencing increased patient numbers and congestion as industrial action affecting health services in several counties pushes more people to seek treatment at the national referral facility.

In a statement issued on Thursday, KNH Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard L. Lesiyampe, CBS, said the hospital was receiving patients who would ordinarily seek care at county and other health facilities.

“This has resulted in longer waiting times and delays, particularly for non-emergency services,” the hospital said.

KNH has asked patients seeking non-emergency care to consider hospitals closer to their homes where appropriate, saying this would help ease congestion and allow patients to access services more quickly.

The hospital said it remains open and continues to provide emergency and critical care despite the increased numbers.

KNH acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the longer waiting times and appealed to patients for patience and understanding as it manages the additional demand.

Patients who do not require urgent medical attention have also been encouraged to use other nearby health facilities where possible, helping to ease the pressure on KNH and allowing those in need of emergency and critical care to receive timely attention.

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