Ministry Of Health Speaks After Lady Harasses Busia Hospital Nurse In Video: "Will Face The Law"

• Health CS Susan Nakhumicha said that Vanessa Ogema, the woman in a viral video captured harassing a Busia nurse, would face the full force of the law
• Nakhumicha asserted that attack on healthcare workers affects the entire healthcare system, calling for mutual respect
• She lauded the Busia nurse for her composure, urging all healthcare workers to exercise civility when met with such cases

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has strongly condemned the assault on medical practitioners following a recent incident at the Port Victoria sub-county hospital in Busia county.

Nakhumicha said the perpetrators in the viral clip would be dealt with through legal means.

“Violence against healthcare workers will not be tolerated and any person culpable of such an act will be apprehended and face the full wrath of the law,” she said.

Why does CS Nakhumicha defend health ministry?

The CS argued that attacks on healthcare workers affect the entire system, including patients seeking medical attention.

Additionally, she observed that healthcare workers' commitment to delivering standard healthcare services to patients from all walks of life, if met with violence, is disheartening and erodes the fabric of our healthcare infrastructure.

“This recent case of assault on a healthcare worker is not just an attack on an individual; it is an assault on the entire healthcare system and the principles that guide it. Assaulting a healthcare worker not only endangers their lives but also disrupts the vital services they provide to other patients and the community," observed the Health CS.

She further commended the assaulted nurse for her composure, stating that all workers should try to display civility at all costs when handling cases with that similarity.

"I want to commend the medic involved for displaying such remarkable composure and professionalism during the incident," remarked Nakhumicha.

Who is Vanessa Ogema?

The Nairobi Women's Hospital College identified the culprit as one of their students enrolled in a theatre programme and is awaiting graduation.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, January 4, the institution said that the actions portrayed by Ogema do not align with their values and standards.

"It has come to our attention that Vanessa Ogema, a student enrolled in the Theatre Technology programme and awaiting graduation, was reported to have disrupted and harassed medical staff at a hospital in Busia county," read their statement in part.

"We strongly condemn the regrettable actions displayed by Ms. Vanessa. These actions do not align with our values and standards as the NWHC. As an organisation, we are committed to nurturing compassionate and responsible professionals," the communication further stated.

In the clip, Ogema chaotically demanded the nurse to urgently attend to her patient, hurling unprintable words at her.