If just words like “sio ya mama yako” can generate much heat (if genuinely so) and cause demonstration and arrests, how much vigour and energy should be used to fight for the rights of the woman who had no option but to deliver her baby under the harsh conditions of the gate to Pumwani Maternity Hospital? This happened following the go-slow of health providers at the facility. After pleas to the guards manning the gate fell on deaf ears, the baby was already seeking its way into the world, and the mother had to lie on the dirty tarmac under the scorching sun to deliver.
Jackline was torn between protecting her dignity and risking her life and that of the child or losing her dignity and safeguarding her life and that of her unborn child. Eventually, the latter seemed the better option, and she had to allow her baby into existence as the crowd watched. For the baby, it was indeed a dramatic entry into the world. I feel for the lady. She narrates the occurrences in tears. She says that it was extremely painful, riddled with shame, and she as well did all she could to prevent the baby from hitting the hard surface or lying on the dirty ground, which is prone to infections.
The only reason given for this occurrence is that nurses were on a go-slow. The questions that linger are: Does a go-slow mean that nurses cannot care whether someone will lose their life or not? Should we blame the woman for delivering on that day, the baby for not waiting much longer, the nurses for the go-slow, or the government for not addressing the concerns of the health providers? Nevertheless, even with the unanswered questions, the ministry of health remains culpable.
I am disappointed with Hon. Esther Muthoni Passaris for coming out to defend the hospital. Pumwani Maternity Hospital only let in the baby and the mother after delivery when the baby had problems and was taken to the nursery. The hospital has since denied any involvement in the issuance of a birth certificate on the grounds that the baby was not delivered within the facility. It did not have to take that long for help to come forth. The ‘right to health’ should not be allowed to become ‘begging for healthcare provision’. With the same or even greater vigour, women and all parents at large should arise and condemn this vice! My heart goes out to Jackline Faustina and her husband. You are great parents, and this occurrence should not disturb your peace. May your baby girl grow to be a great health professional. Kudos!
