I became a nurse because I like taking care of people, and wanted to serve my community. But I never thought I would be at the receiving end of medical negligence by the very system that I trusted. I was betrayed by the doctors and medical professionals who dismissed my symptoms as panic attacks and other unrelated conditions. As a result of this I underwent six months of financial and emotional strain. It was only after I went to India in desperation that I was informed by doctors there that I had a life-threatening brain tumour and needed surgery.

I am not alone in this suffering. This is unfortunately the story of millions of Kenyans who face a failing healthcare system. Many of us may remember the 2017 case of a woman who was forced to give birth on a hospital floor after being turned away from several facilities.

My name is Deborah, a Change Leader from the Nguvu Collective and a survivor of medical malpractice and negligence. I am on a mission to stop this horror by pushing for establishment of patient rights committees in all health care institutions.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) had received 106 complaints of alleged medical negligence in 2022 - an almost 20% increase in the number of cases reported the previous year. How many cases and deaths before our government intervenes to take action? The urgency of this matter lies in the devastating consequences faced by many Kenyans due to hospital malpractice.

This petition calls on:

1. The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health Hon. Susan Nakumicha to put in place mechanisms for setting up of Patient Rights Committees in all health institutions in Kenya.

2. The County Governments to establish Patient Rights Committees in the health institutions in their respective counties.

When we unite and raise our voices, we will have a greater chance of being heard. When the Health Secretary and respective governors takes action, we will have done our bit to prevent further suffering, save lives and ensure access to safe and reliable healthcare for all citizens. Sign this petition to ensure the establishment of Patient Rights Committees.

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Garad Saney Mohamed

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