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By June Lance
Mombasa– Thousands of families in Mombasa are getting relief from the high cost of healthcare, with more than 7,500 outpatients receiving free treatment and over 750 admitted patients discharged without paying their hospital bills under the county government’s Mwezi wa Baba programme at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH).
The initiative is easing the financial burden on patients who would otherwise struggle to meet medical expenses, with beneficiaries describing the programme as a lifeline for households facing the rising cost of healthcare.
Speaking during the programme, Acting Coast General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohamed Hanif said the county government was also supporting residents unable to afford contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA), enabling them to access essential healthcare services.
Hanif said the initiative had helped improve access to treatment while reducing the financial pressure on families seeking medical attention.
Beyond supporting patients, the county government has employed 447 health workers across its health facilities, including 116 at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, to strengthen service delivery.
Among those benefiting from the employment initiative is Kibwana Said, a newly contracted support staff member, who said the opportunity had restored his hope and given him a chance to serve his community.
Sharlet Kingaro, a newly contracted nurse, also welcomed the opportunity, saying working at the referral facility had renewed her sense of purpose as a healthcare professional.
Patients have equally praised the free treatment programme for helping them overcome the financial challenges associated with hospital bills.
Peter Mwango, one of the patients discharged without paying his bill, said the initiative had lifted a significant burden from families struggling with medical costs.
Another beneficiary, Gideon Hare, urged the county government to extend the programme beyond its one-month period to allow more residents to benefit from free treatment.
The county government has urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority to improve their access to affordable healthcare services beyond the programme.
The initiative is part of Mombasa County’s broader efforts to expand access to healthcare, support vulnerable households and reduce financial barriers to essential medical services.
