MTRH Responds to Viral Video and Media Reports on Riley Mother and Baby Hospital Services

 

Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has issued a press statement addressing concerns raised in a viral TikTok video and a subsequent Daily Nation article published on September 18, 2025. The reports had cast doubts on the quality of care and conditions at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital, a key facility under MTRH.

In the statement, MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa clarified that all mothers at the hospital had received care consistent with the institution’s high standards. He noted that while some patients experienced delays during discharge, the challenges were mainly administrative—centered around incomplete Social Health Authority (SHA) registration due to missing identity documents or unpaid premiums.

“Some of the patients were in the process of discharge but faced difficulties completing SHA registration, which is necessary for bill settlement,” said Dr. Kirwa. “This is often due to lack of necessary documents such as ID cards or birth certificates, or because annual SHA premiums have not been paid.”

Dr. Kirwa strongly refuted claims that patients at the facility were served leftover food, describing the allegations as false and misleading. He assured the public that meals, medical supplies, and overall service delivery at the hospital met established quality standards.

Reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to patient-centered care, the CEO urged all clients to ensure their SHA registration and premium payments are up to date to facilitate timely and uninterrupted services.

The hospital also addressed concerns about teenage mothers who may not yet possess national ID cards. According to the statement, such individuals are issued temporary identification to enable their SHA registration. Additionally, patients who are unable to pay their medical bills are reviewed by a hospital credit committee and may be released home pending further financial support.

MTRH acknowledged that congestion at Riley Mother and Baby Hospital can occur when patients requiring discharge are delayed by administrative hurdles. Dr. Kirwa emphasized that the hospital, which is a Level Six referral facility designed for complex medical cases, often receives patients who could be managed in lower-level health centers.

“While congestion may occur in some instances, we continue working closely with the Ministry of Health to streamline SHA enrolment and enhance service delivery,” the statement read.

Dr. Kirwa concluded by reassuring the public of MTRH’s continued commitment to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality healthcare, while actively supporting SHA awareness efforts to promote access to affordable medical services for all Kenyans.