The Ministry of Health has raised alarm over a growing trend of people engaging in prolonged tree-hugging, warning that the activity has led to serious health complications, with some participants reportedly requiring hospitalisation. Speaking to residents of Ngiriambu in Gichugu Constituency, Kirinyaga County, on Thursday, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni urged members of the public to seek medical clearance before taking part in physically demanding activities. Muthoni cautioned that exercises often perceived as harmless can pose significant risks if undertaken without proper preparation, particularly for individuals with undiagnosed medical conditions.
People must ensure they are medically fit before engaging in strenuous physical activities. What may appear safe can quickly turn dangerous without adequate preparation
Ps MuthoniShe further advised individuals planning to engage in demanding exercises to prepare adequately and rehearse beforehand to reduce the risk of injury or medical emergencies. In the same address, the Principal Secretary also issued a stern warning to healthcare facilities against exploiting patients registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme. She emphasized that beneficiaries are entitled to affordable and transparent healthcare services.
Muthoni pointed out that some private and faith-based hospitals have been accused of inflating charges for services covered under SHA in an effort to boost profits, at the expense of vulnerable patients. To address the issue, she directed all health facilities to clearly display the services they offer, indicating which are free, which are covered by SHA, and which require out-of-pocket payments. This, she said, will help patients make informed decisions and protect them from unnecessary financial burden. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health while ensuring accountability and fairness in the delivery of healthcare services across the country.
