Kenyans could soon access emergency medical services without first raising money for hospital bills following the approval of a proposed law by the National Assembly.
The Health (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, was approved during its third reading on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen patients' rights and prevent hospitals from denying emergency care to people who cannot immediately afford treatment.
Under the proposed changes to the Health Act, public healthcare facilities that demand payment before providing emergency medical attention could face fines of up to KSh3 million.
The proposal addresses a challenge that has affected patients and families who arrive at hospitals during medical emergencies but are asked to make payments before receiving treatment.
In some cases, families have been forced to look for money while their relatives require urgent medical attention, raising questions about the accessibility of emergency healthcare.
The Bill also targets the practice of public hospitals detaining bodies of deceased patients because of outstanding medical bills.
If the amendments become law, public healthcare officers who authorise or facilitate the detention of bodies over unpaid bills could face fines of up to KSh2 million.
The proposed provision seeks to ease the difficulties faced by grieving families who sometimes struggle to secure the release of their relatives for burial because they cannot clear hospital charges immediately.
Following the parliamentary proceedings, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Ombane Gisairo welcomed the approval, arguing that the proposed changes would protect vulnerable patients and their families from exploitation.
“The exploitation of vulnerable patients in both public and private hospitals will soon be a thing of the past under the proposed reforms in the health sector,” Gisairo stated.
He further said he had endorsed the Health (Amendment) Bill No. 56 of 2024, describing it as an important step towards strengthening the protection of patients.
“Once enacted, this landmark legislation will guarantee access to emergency medical treatment and prohibit hospitals from detaining patients or withholding deceased persons over unpaid medical bills,” he added.
Despite securing approval in the National Assembly, the Bill has not yet become law. It will proceed to the Senate for consideration before being forwarded to President William Ruto for assent if it successfully completes the remaining parliamentary stages.
Once enacted, the proposed amendments would introduce financial penalties for public healthcare facilities and officers who violate the new requirements.
The changes could significantly affect how public hospitals handle emergency admissions and outstanding medical bills, particularly for families facing financial difficulties.
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