AAR Hospital: We didn’t turn away Betty Bayo, we admitted her for two days
AAR Hospital has rubbished as “inaccurate and misleading” the claims that it refused to admit late gospel musician Betty Bayo for failing to make a deposit.
The claims followed remarks by Shiru wa GP (Mary Wanjiru), a fellow musician and Betty’s close friend, who narrated about the last moments of the latter, whose real name is Beatrice Mbugua.
Speaking to the Nation on Tuesday, Shiru said Betty managed to walk to her car despite the feebleness she was experiencing.
“Amidst the pain and discomfort, Betty walked herself downstairs, got her car keys, opened the main door and went to her car. That’s where she hooted loudly, waking up her neighbours,” Shiru said.
One of the neighbours rushed to her aid and drove her to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road, where, according to Shiru, the medical staff declined to admit her until a deposit of Sh260,000 was made.
“They said they couldn’t start treatment until the deposit was made. When I woke up, I paid the money through M-Pesa and then rushed to the hospital and met with other gospel musicians who were our mutual friends with Betty,” she added.
In a widely circulated video, Shiru said: “After I paid, I reached there and found that they had been let in. That is when I noticed that Betty wasn’t okay.”
Critics say that for a woman who was feeble and needed a blood transfusion, the reluctance in admitting her ran afoul of Article 43(2) of the Constitution, which says: “A person shall not be denied emergency medical treatment.”
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the hospital said the allegations are unfounded.
“While we appreciate the public’s concern, we wish to emphasise that many of these reports are inaccurate and misleading,” said the statement issued by the hospital’s management.
“AAR Hospital wishes to clarify that the deceased was admitted to our facility for two days, during which she received emergency and critical care and her diagnosis was confirmed. After her initial stabilisation and medical assessment, the patient and her family later opted to transfer her to another medical facility for further specialised treatment,” it added.
Shiru said that the treatment bill was rising fast, and at some point spiking by Sh200,000 in two hours. The “11th Hour” singer was subsequently transferred to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
Shiru said that by the time Betty was being transferred, she could not talk. When friends took her two children to her, she saw them and broke into tears.
In the widely shared video, Shiru added that at this stage, Betty “could not be treated”.
“The cancer had spread too deep. It was too late,” she said.
In its statement, AAR said it could not share personal or clinical details of Betty’s matter “out of respect for the patient’s confidentiality and in line with medical ethics”.
“We assure the public that AAR Hospital remains committed to the highest standards of patient care, professionalism and transparency,” the facility said.
“The management and staff of AAR Hospital deeply regret her passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and fans during this difficult time. We share in their sorrow and respectfully honour her memory,” it added.
Betty died on Monday after a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia. She will be laid to rest on November 20, at Mugumo Estate on Kiambu Road.
A memorial service will also take place at Christian Foundation Fellowship (CFF) Church, along Kiambu Road, on Sunday, November 16.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.