20/07/2026
**Response to Concerns Raised About Gita Sub-County Hospital**
We have taken note of the concerns raised on social media regarding services at Gita Sub-County Hospital. We appreciate public feedback because it helps us improve service delivery. However, it is equally important that information shared with the public is accurate, balanced, and based on verified facts.
Regarding the reported long waiting times, we acknowledge that patients may occasionally experience delays. These delays are not intentional and arise from several operational realities. The hospital relies on electronic systems such as the eHMIS and the SHA claims platform, both of which periodically experience downtime beyond the hospital's control. When these systems are unavailable, staff must follow alternative procedures to ensure patient records and claims remain accurate, which inevitably increases waiting time.
The hospital also handles emergency cases that require immediate attention. In keeping with medical ethics and national clinical guidelines, critically ill patients are attended to first. This may temporarily delay services for patients with less urgent conditions.
Staffing is another challenge. On weekends, it is common for a single healthcare worker to provide services from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. while attending to all patients, emergencies, documentation, and referrals. Despite these constraints, our staff remain committed to serving the community to the best of their ability.
The allegation that staff spend their time telling stories instead of working is not supported by any evidence. Our staff are expected to uphold professional standards, and any concerns regarding staff conduct should be reported through the hospital's established complaints and compliments channels so they can be investigated objectively.
Claims that the hospital unlawfully collects money from community members are inaccurate. Patients who are not registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), including those who do not possess national identification documents required for SHA registration, are required to pay the applicable user fees in accordance with government policy. All payments are made through the **official County Government Paybill** and are receipted in line with county financial management procedures. Hospital staff do not receive or retain these funds personally. Revenue collected is remitted directly to the County Government through the approved payment system, ensuring accountability and transparency.
With regard to referrals, the hospital follows the Ministry of Health referral guidelines. When a patient requires referral, the hospital must first communicate with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to request ambulance support where applicable and also contact the receiving health facility to confirm bed space and acceptance of the patient. These procedures are designed to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.
Where a patient chooses to leave the hospital against medical advice (Discharge Against Medical Advice), they assume responsibility for that decision, including arranging their own transport where ambulance referral is not clinically indicated. This is standard medical practice and is clearly explained to patients and their families.
We encourage members of the public, bloggers, and media practitioners to verify information before publishing it. Constructive criticism supported by facts is welcome and contributes to improving healthcare services. However, sharing unverified allegations may misinform the public, unfairly damage the reputation of healthcare workers, and undermine public confidence in essential health services.
Gita Sub-County Hospital remains committed to providing safe, quality, and compassionate healthcare despite operational challenges. We welcome genuine feedback and remain dedicated to continuous improvement in service delivery.
