Health services are going on uninterrupted at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) though measures and security have been heightened due to COVID-19 outbreak.

KNH Communication Manager Ezekiel Gikambi talking to the People Daily said referral, inpatients, and outpatients services are ongoing hence Kenyans should seek medication.

“The hospital operations are ongoing on well but with the COVID-19 in the country, we have restricted visitors from visiting patients to reduce risk,” he said. 

He said the facility in a day usually records at least 30,000 individuals ranging from visitors, staffs, donors, and suppliers among others hence the need to restrict crowding.

To access the facility, Gikambi said one is supposed to show an SMS from the hospital, referral letter and appointment letter for clinics.

“Other patients are being attended where suspected cases are taken to Mbagathi, Infectious Disease Unit hosting Coronavirus cases,” he added.

Meanwhile, on claims that some patients were or are being turned away, Gikambi said they have deployed health workers at every point of entry to review the case to avoid needy cases being treated.

On Tuesday in a statement by KNH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Evans Kamuri, said the restrictions are intended to prevent crowding at the facility and facilitate social distancing.

“Effective immediately, only family and relatives of patients who have been expressly contacted by the Hospital will be allowed access,” he said.

The family or relative allowed in will help in facilitating specific requests pertaining to patient care, blood/organ donations, payment of bills, discharge of patients.

“Only KNH staff and other authorized personnel will be allowed access to the hospital,” he added.