The government has commissioned a new 150-bed hospital at the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County, in a move expected to improve access to healthcare for prison officers, inmates and people living around the facility.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga joined Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for the commissioning of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital.
The facility started offering outpatient services in March and has now been officially commissioned.
The hospital provides both outpatient and inpatient services, as well as maternal and child healthcare, emergency treatment, diagnostic services, laboratory and pharmacy services.
It also has renal care and specialised clinics.
Other facilities at the hospital include an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Unit (HDU), radiology and dental units, a maternity wing and separate male and female wards. There is also a ward specifically for children.
The new facility is expected to reduce the need for prison officers and inmates to be referred to hospitals outside the correctional system for treatment.
Its commissioning also fulfils a directive issued by President William Ruto during the Kenya Prisons Service recruits’ pass-out parade in February.
The hospital began operations after the directive, with outpatient services being introduced first.
Officers to access SHA cover
The facility has also been linked to the Social Health Authority (SHA) through the Usalama Cover Public Officers Medical Scheme.
This will allow prison officers and their dependants to access a range of services, including outpatient and inpatient care, maternity services, specialised treatment and emergency evacuation.
The government said the expanded capacity will help with early diagnosis and treatment while reducing delays caused by referrals to other facilities.
The hospital is also expected to contribute to the government’s wider Universal Health Coverage agenda by providing affordable healthcare to correctional officers and the surrounding community.
The commissioning was attended by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary for Interior Dr Raymond Omolo, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Dr Salome Beaco and Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Aurelia Rono.
Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick M. Aranduh and senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Kenya Prisons Service were also present.