Kenyan court awards 'historic' payout to woman who gave birth on hospital floor

david nganga

March 22, 2018 6:59 PM

Ms Majani was slapped and verbally abused by nurses before being left to deliver her baby on the floor

A Kenyan woman who was physically abused whilst in labor at a government hospital five years ago has been awarded Sh2.5 million ($25,000), reports

While recounting the ordeal at the Bungoma County hospital, Josephone Majani said she was slapped and verbally abused by nurses then left to deliver her baby on her own on the floor.

The incident happened in public glare and was secretly captured on camera by another patient.

Bungoma high court judge Abida Aroni delivered the landmark ruling saying the Kenyan health authorities violated Ms Majani’s rights to health and dignity.

The judgement is rare in a country struggling to improve its maternity healthcare.

Issues related to negligence and mistreatment of patients are common in government hospitals. The ruling is likely to influence and shape future similar cases.

david nganga