Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has over four years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories in Kenya’s digital and print media. Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with TUKO. Enroll Now!
Kisii: Kisii County is grappling with a heartbreaking tragedy after a 27-year-old pregnant woman passed away at Magena Dispensary while awaiting delivery. Police officers at a crime scene in a previous incident (photo for illustration). Inside the Magena Dispensary, where Phanice Ratemo died. Photo: Sopa Images/Dennis Gekara. Source: Getty Images.
Phanice Ratemo was admitted to the facility on Monday at 11:30 PM, experiencing labor pains. However, despite her distress, nurses allegedly told her that it wasn’t yet her time, leaving her unattended throughout the night and the following day.
A source familiar with the incident told TUKO.co.ke, “She repeatedly called for help, telling the doctors she felt ready, but they insisted her time hadn’t come yet.” Tragically, both she and her unborn child passed away due to the lack of medical intervention.
Reports suggest that upon realizing the patient had died, the doctors and nurses fled the facility, leaving her body unattended on Wednesday morning. “As soon as her water broke, she began bleeding, but her cries for help went unanswered. It was only when her roommates noticed she had passed away that they alerted the doctor. When news of her death spread, angry residents gathered at the facility, with some threatening to attack the medical staff. Fearing the growing anger, the medics fled, leaving the body behind,” the source added.
The woman’s body reportedly remained in the facility for hours as residents demanded answers before its transfer. Governor Simba Arati has condemned the incident, calling it an unacceptable failure in the healthcare system.