In Kenya the governor of Nairobi has directed all state-run hospitals to release any patients who are being held because of unpaid bills.
It is common practice for hospitals there to refuse to discharge patients until all medical fees have been paid.
Johnson Sakaja said the county government would foot the bills and described the waiver as a Christmas gift so that people could celebrate with their families.
Kenyans routinely complain that private and government-run hospitals charge exorbitant fees, which mean many are unable to seek treatment.