Some 12 health facilities in Machakos County have benefited from oxygen piping and manifold which is an Oxygen project by Amref Health Africa in conjunction with the Ministry of Health with the funding of Global health organization.
Speaking to the media at Machakos level 5 hospital, Machakos Health CEC Dr. Daniel Yumbya said they had a meeting with stakeholders who will ensure they get Oxygen supply at their 12 facilities in the next three weeks.
“We have a meeting with engineers and the team from Amref who will ensure we get oxygen piping,” said Yumbya.
He said the total cost of the oxygen support project is estimated to be Sh 100,000,000.
The health facilities will also receive 630 new Oxygen cylinders to be distributed in various facilities, installation of a 3,000 liters refillable oxygen tank at Machakos level 5, 27 Oxygen splitters and 12 patient monitors.
Yumbya added that the work should start in the next three weeks and supply of oxygen will be taken to various facilities once installation is complete.
He hailed the partnership from Amref and the Ministry of Health saying they will ensure Machakos gets oxygen supply for a whole year, subject to renewal, depending on negotiations and financial availability.
Yumbya also urged the partners to take local labor from Machakos residents because they want to make sure the youth get employment opportunities when they partner with sponsors.
“As you engage in various hospitals, ensure you take local/cheap labor from Machakos people because the Governor’s manifesto emphasizes on ensuring our youth get opportunities whenever we partner with sponsors,” emphasized Yumbya.
He noted that the project will assist in service delivery since there are 4 level hospitals and several level 3 whose patients require supplementary oxygen and will not need to be transferred to level 5 facility.
He pointed out that since Covid 19 is still around, patients who will need Oxygen will benefit and all residents will get oxygen from their nearest facility.
Julius Tome Program Manager from Amref Africa said they have collaborated with Machakos County and Ministry of Health to ensure oxygen is available to all hospitals in the county.
He said they have also partnered with all 47 counties in the country and the government to give out oxygen because it is just like medicine and crucial to human health.
The 12 health facilities benefitting from the oxygen piping and manifold are: Muumandu Level 3 Hospital, Mitituni Level 4, Sengani Level 3, Wamunyu Level 3 Hospital, Kathiani Level 4, Kimiti Level 4 Hospital, Masinga Hospital Level 4. Matuu Sub-County Hospital Level 4.
Ekalakala Level 3, Mbiuni Community Level 3, Bishop Kioko Level 4, and Katangi Level 3 Hospital.
By Anne Kangero and Mary Mutheu
