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Health officials probe death of child at Longisa hospital in Bomet

The officials met the hospital authorities to establish the circumstances under which the minor died

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by KNA

Rift-valley12 November 2024 - 12:43
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In Summary


  • According to the child's aunt, the victim and three other children were rushed to the hospital after being stung by bees while playing at their home in Koitabai village.
  • The case has intensified calls for improved healthcare practices in the county

Longisa County Referral Hospital

Bomet Health officials including the local Executive Committee (CEC) Member Joseph Sitonik and Chief Officer Felix Lang'at led the members of the county Health Committee in a visit to the Longisa County Referral Hospital following the tragic death of three-year-old Diana Chepngeno.

The officials met the hospital authorities to establish the circumstances under which the minor died after being stung by bees amid claims that she succumbed to the insect bites due to negligence on the part of the medics.

In an official statement, the Department of Health Services expressed deep regret over the incident.

"We deeply regret the tragic passing of young Diana Chepngeno after being attended to at Longisa County Referral Hospital. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones during this difficult time," the statement read.

Sitonik said the committee had conducted a comprehensive assessment of the hospital to identify gaps in the quality of care and areas requiring urgent improvement.

“We are committed to ensuring accountability. The healthcare workers on duty that night are currently undergoing disciplinary review, and legal action will be taken if negligence is confirmed,” he said.

Sitonik said changes would be implemented to address identified shortcomings, strengthen emergency response protocols, and elevate patient care standards to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

According to the child's aunt, Joan Cherotich, Diana and three other children were rushed to Longisa Hospital after being stung by bees while playing at their home in Koitabai village.

Cherotich recounted that although the children were given an injection, they were left unattended despite showing signs of worsening conditions, such as facial swelling and visible discomfort.

“We asked for a transfer to Tenwek Hospital for specialised treatment but were only released after several hours,” Cherotich said. 

By the time they reached Tenwek, Diana's condition had deteriorated, and she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The family has accused the Longisa medical staff of failing to adequately address the children's pain, assuming the effects of the stings would resolve without intervention.

This oversight, they claimed, contributed to Diana's death.

The incident, captured in an amateur video circulating on social media, has put Longisa County Referral Hospital under intense scrutiny and raised serious questions about the facility's operational standards.

The video, which shows Diana in pain while nurses are seen gathered around a computer engaged in conversation, has sparked widespread outrage within the community and among local leaders, who are now demanding answers and accountability.

This case has intensified calls for improved healthcare practices in the county and has become a topic for discussions about the quality and responsiveness of medical services in the region.

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