Whistleblower Activist Exposes Elderly Patient Fraud, Faces Life-Threatening Danger
After receiving death threats. A human rights activist who exposed hospitals defrauding elderly patients through the national insurance program fears for his life.
Mr. Salesio Thuranira, a resident of Meru. Was the first to expose hospitals that enticed elderly patients with arthritis. Leaving some amputated and others billed for services not rendered.
The threats were made three days after NTV’s damning Sunday investigation exposed the medical scam.
Mr. Thuranira told Nation. Africa that his wife received a call from an unidentified person who warned that “she will soon be seeking justice as a widow.”
“I reported the incident to the police and provided a statement. This is a direct threat to my life, and I believe it has something to do with the NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund) scandal. I am requesting protection from the government, said Mr. Thuranira.
Under report number OB 24/21/06/2023, the incident was reported to the Nkubu Police Station.
Mr. Thuranira reported the incidents to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the NHIF Fraud Unit, but neither agency took action in response to his complaints.
He petitioned the Meru County Assembly in April to investigate allegations of mistreatment of senior citizens.
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“Afya Bora Hospital Annex in Mwea, RFH Healthcare in Ruai, Joy Nursing and Maternity in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Jekim Hospital in Nkubu, and St Peters Hospital in Kinoo are well-coordinated in an illegal scheme to treat Meru residents aged 44 and older with surgery or unknown injections under the guise of curing arthritis.”
In the petition, Mr. Thuranira asserts the following. The petition was presented to the Health Committee of the assembly, which is also investigating the issue.
It identifies six individuals who represent some of the residents who claim the five hospitals have cheated them.
The Health Cabinet Secretary, Susan Nakhumicha, ordered the investigation and closure of the five hospitals in response to the Nation report by NTV.
On Tuesday, the government ordered Jekim Hospital in Meru to evacuate all admitted patients and close its doors.
Ms. Nakhumicha also demanded that all NHIF managers in the affected regions step aside to allow for an investigation.
Staff review
To increase transparency, the CS also ordered a comprehensive lifestyle audit of all NHIF employees.
Wednesday, NHIF suspended its contract with the six affected hospitals for ninety days pending an investigation.
By the end of the week, investigators should have concluded their inquiries into the medical fraud involving NHIF.
Mr. Thuranira has been involved in several public interest litigations and human rights abuses in Meru, earning him the nickname ‘Omtata’, after Busia Senator Okiya Omtata, who made a name for himself pursuing public interest cases years before he entered politics this year.
Whistleblower Activist Exposes Elderly Patient Fraud, Faces Life-Threatening Danger
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