Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir has reiterated his executive order mandating free medical treatment for all children under five in public health facilities, in a forceful statement tying policy compliance to disciplinary action for county health officials.
The directive comes as the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) reels from a leadership suspension and mounting political scrutiny.
In a statement on Wednesday, the governor said the free‑treatment policy was not a suggestion but official county policy that “must be implemented to the letter.”
He warned that any officer obstructing the directive would face firm disciplinary action, underscoring the county’s commitment to expanding access to basic health services for vulnerable residents.
Governor Nassir said he personally oversaw the release of 38 children under five who were being held at CGTRH over unpaid bills, highlighting what he described as entrenched barriers to care for low‑income families.
“No resident should be denied care because of poverty or lack of insurance,” he stated, positioning the order within broader equity and access goals.
Under the directive, any patient without Social Health Authority (SHA) cover who is unable to pay will be enrolled on the spot under the county’s indigent support fund, with contributions met by the County Executive.
The move aims to reduce financial exclusion and strengthen uptake of preventive and curative services across the county.
The governor’s statement comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions at CGTRH, where the county government recently suspended the hospital’s CEO, Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla, citing governance and performance concerns.
The suspension has drawn sharp criticism from medical professionals and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), which has cited unresolved labour issues and threatened action that could disrupt non‑emergency care.
Meanwhile, the Mombasa County Assembly has ordered a probe into alleged mismanagement and medical negligence at the referral hospital, including whether the suspension of the CEO and implementation of executive directives followed due process.