Makueni County Referral Hospital has received new surgical and diagnostic equipment through the National Equipment Service Programme, a government programme in partnership with county governments. These include modern theatre equipment, among them a diathermy machine that helps in reduction of bleeding during surgery, infusion pumps, new operation tables and lamps, an anesthesia machine, patient monitors, and a traction bed for orthopedic work.
Speaking during the commissioning on Wednesday Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., said that the new gear will significantly boost the services of the hospital, he noted that the operating theatres have increased from two to four, adding that this means the patients will not have to endure long waits before getting into surgery.
He narrated that a medical outreach at the same hospital last year saw some patients waiting up to a week for surgery because of the limited theatre space now, with four fully equipped theatres, the facility is better set to handle more cases, and the hospital equally has skilled surgeons ready to make use of the equipment.
Professor Mutula lauded the National Equipment Service Programme citing that most counties cannot raise the money required to purchase them. “These machines are pricey, and counties don’t have the resources to buy them alone. This programme has been a real help,” he said.
He added that the new gear will enable most of the medical cases to be retained within the county, referring fewer patients to other facilities. For now, the equipment is housed at the county referral hospital and later to be shared with Level Four hospitals and other health facilities across Makueni.
“Today, Makueni can actually work as a referral center. Nobody will be referred elsewhere when we have adequate power, blood is available, and personnel are trained for that work,” said the governor.
The hospital management also remarked on a digital X-ray unit that can produce images within minutes to speed up diagnoses.
Consultant General Surgeon, Dr. Alex Ombati, said the upgrades will ease congestion and enable the hospital to treat more complex cases locally. These upgrades will reduce referrals and improve patient care,” he said.
The event was attended by County Executive Committee Member for Health Joyce Mutua, Chief Officer Dr Harvey Mulei Mbithi and other county officials.
