Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi has raised alarm over alleged corruption at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital, citing instances of overcharging for essential services. Addressing constituents during a funeral, the MP accused the hospital management of engaging in unethical practices that adversely affect the residents.
One of the key issues highlighted by Mulyungi is the alleged charging for services that should be provided free of charge, such as postmortems. He expressed concern that residents are being forced to pay for medical procedures that are supposed to be part of the hospital’s service.
“The head of the hospital was right here; if you go to the hospital with a broken hand, you should buy a cast which costs 60,000 shillings. Even if we are not doctors, that is daylight fraud,” Mulyungi said.
He went on to claim that patients in need of X-rays are required to seek the service from external sources, outside the hospital premises.
The MP further accused the hospital of implementing a tiered payment system based on appearance, stating, “If you want a postmortem, you have to pay 30,000 shillings, but if you look like an elite, you should pay only 2500 shillings. This is unacceptable discrimination and exploitation of vulnerable citizens.”
The legislator also decried the alleged practice of demanding payment for patient transfers to other medical facilities, emphasizing that services such as ambulance transfers should be provided free of charge. He expressed disappointment in the hospital staff, urging them to prioritize the well-being of the community they serve.
“Shame on you doctors. You should take care of these people; they don’t have money,” added the MP.
The revelations by Dr. Gideon Mulyungi have sparked concerns among residents and the broader community, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital.
