Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) has issued a statement following the tragic death of a patient who died by suicide while undergoing treatment. The hospital’s CEO, Iqbal Khandwalla, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the deceased’s family, urging the public to approach the matter with sensitivity.
In his statement, Khandwalla clarified misconceptions surrounding the incident, refuting claims that the patient’s death was linked to unpaid medical bills. He explained that the patient, a homeless individual receiving treatment for septic arthritis, had been responding well to care and had not been discharged. “The issue of an unpaid bill does not arise,” he emphasized, dispelling rumors that financial pressure contributed to the tragedy.
The CEO revealed that the patient had a known history of mental illness and had received consistent psychosocial support from the hospital’s mental health team. Despite these efforts, the patient made a sudden and irreversible decision. “This deeply saddens all of us, especially those who cared for him,” Khandwalla said, acknowledging the emotional toll on medical staff.
The incident has been reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as standard protocol, and investigations are ongoing. Khandwalla reiterated the hospital’s commitment to non-discriminatory care, stressing that all patients, regardless of social status, receive equal treatment.
The tragedy has reignited discussions on mental health and homelessness, with the hospital calling for compassionate dialogue. “We urge the public to respect the dignity of the deceased and foster accurate, respectful conversations on these complex issues,” Khandwalla stated.
Mental health advocates have echoed the hospital’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for stronger community support systems for vulnerable individuals. Homelessness, often intertwined with untreated mental health conditions, remains a pressing challenge in Kenya, requiring collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, policymakers, and society.
As Coast General Hospital mourns the loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the gaps in mental healthcare and the importance of empathy in addressing such crises. The hospital has pledged to continue enhancing its mental health services to prevent future tragedies.
