The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has filed a lawsuit against a family over an unpaid bill of KSh 3 million, which the hospital states is a small portion of the total treatment cost. According to court documents, the minor patient was admitted in February 2021 with severe TB meningitis and, although their condition has stabilized, they have yet to be discharged or transferred to another facility.
The hospital detailed that the initial total treatment cost amounted to KSh 24 million. Recognizing the family’s financial difficulties, the AKUH welfare committee waived 78% of the bill, reducing it to slightly over KSh 13 million. Additionally, a well-wisher contributed over KSh 6 million towards the outstanding amount, leaving an unpaid balance of KSh 3 million as of May 2024.
Despite multiple attempts by the hospital to resolve the issue through phone calls and follow-ups, the family has not consented to transfer the patient to a more affordable healthcare facility, which would help prevent further accrual of medical expenses. The AKUH argues that the ongoing unpaid bill is impacting its operations.
The court has scheduled the matter for mention on July 28, directing the parties involved to attempt an out-of-court settlement.
