Journalist Dennis Okari recently shared a harrowing account of his daughter, Ivanna’s, critical illness and the significant challenges he faced with Kenya’s healthcare system. His experience highlights widespread issues concerning medical costs, transparency, and emergency care protocols in the country.
- Okari’s daughter, Ivanna, was diagnosed with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in 2019, leading to a month in ICU in a coma.
- The hospital demanded half of a multi-million shilling medical bill upfront, before providing full details on her condition.
- Okari criticized the system for prioritizing financial proof over urgent medical care, recalling instances where the first question asked was, "Where's the money?" even during emergencies.