By Elvis Wasike

An award-winning teacher and Headteacher of Kamariny Primary and Junior School, Shokwei V. Barsulai, has raised serious concerns over access to emergency medical services after a Grade 9 girl who was allegedly defiled was reportedly sent home from Iten County Referral Hospital over an unpaid KSh800 laboratory fee.

According to Barsulai, the girl was sexually assaulted while collecting firewood before being rushed to the hospital for emergency medical attention.

He claims that after undergoing emergency assessment and being attended to at the casualty department, the girl was referred for laboratory investigations.

However, her mother was reportedly asked to pay KSh200 for registration, which she managed to raise, before being requested to pay an additional KSh800 for laboratory services.

Despite her efforts, the mother could not raise the money and was allegedly advised to return home with the child.

Barsulai questioned why a survivor of sexual violence could be turned away at a critical moment because of financial constraints, saying the incident raises serious questions about the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) system in emergency situations.

He said he received information about the incident at night and immediately made calls to seek assistance.

The following morning, he received the girl, with Hope Centre, through Mr Kitony, stepping in to facilitate assistance to ensure she received the necessary support.

Describing the experience as heartbreaking, Barsulai said the child had spent the night in distress and required urgent medical attention.

He has appealed to leaders and residents of Elgeyo-Marakwet County to initiate serious discussions on how hospitals handle cases involving children who have suffered sexual violence.

He maintained that children should receive immediate medical attention regardless of their parents' financial circumstances or insurance status.

Barsulai also urged the public not to politicise the matter, insisting that the welfare, dignity and protection of the child must remain the priority.

"A defilement case is an emergency. A child's dignity, safety and life must never be put on hold because of KSh800," he said.

He called for stronger child protection mechanisms and improved coordination between hospitals, social support organisations and relevant authorities to ensure survivors of sexual violence are not subjected to additional suffering when seeking help.

The incident has also renewed questions about financial barriers facing vulnerable families when seeking emergency healthcare.