MWE Correspondent
The family of Dr. George Rae, a respected Kenyan medical professional and former chief executive of a leading national referral and teaching hospital, has issued an urgent public appeal for financial support to clear a large medical bill incurred during his final treatment abroad.
Dr. Rae, who also served as a senior health adviser within the Kisumu County Department of Medical Services, died in South Korea while undergoing emergency medical care. His family says his body is currently being held by the hospital where he was treated, after outstanding medical and mortuary charges amounting to approximately 20 million Kenyan shillings remain unpaid.
According to relatives, the cost of Dr. Rae’s treatment exceeded 17 million Kenyan shillings, with only a small portion of the bill covered prior to his death. The remaining balance, which also includes mortuary and related hospital expenses, has delayed the release and repatriation of his body to Kenya, compounding the family’s grief during an already painful time.
In an emotional appeal, a family representative called on members of the public, institutions and well-wishers to come forward with support so that Dr. Rae can be laid to rest with dignity in his home country. The family said that without immediate assistance, the process of returning his body to Kenya will remain stalled, prolonging their anguish and denying them the chance to conduct burial rites in accordance with their traditions.
Dr. Rae was widely known in Kenya’s health sector for his years of service in hospital leadership and public health administration. During his tenure as chief executive of a major referral hospital, he played a key role in strengthening clinical training, improving patient care systems and mentoring young medical professionals. Even after leaving the position, he continued to serve the public as a health adviser at the county level, contributing to policy and service delivery improvements within Kisumu County.
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News of his death and the family’s appeal has sparked an outpouring of sympathy, particularly among health workers and residents of Kisumu, many of whom credit Dr. Rae for his commitment to community health and institutional reform. Messages of condolence and solidarity have circulated widely, reflecting the impact he had on colleagues and patients alike.
The situation has also reignited discussion about the high cost of overseas medical treatment and the challenges families face when loved ones die abroad. South Korea, known for its advanced healthcare system, attracts patients from around the world, but the associated costs can be overwhelming, especially in emergency situations. Dr. Rae’s case has highlighted the financial and emotional burden such circumstances place on families.
As the appeal continues, the family has emphasized that any contribution, regardless of size, would make a difference in helping them settle the outstanding bill and bring Dr. Rae home. They have also thanked those who have already expressed support, saying the solidarity shown has provided comfort during an incredibly difficult period.
Dr. Rae’s passing represents a significant loss to Kenya’s medical community and to the broader public service sector. As arrangements are awaited, many now hope that collective support will allow the late doctor to return to Kenya, where he can be honoured for his lifetime of service to healthcare and society.
