Seven Hospitals in Makueni will be equipped with X-Ray machines in an effort to enhance healthcare services, Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has said.
Mutula disclosed that his government has already purchased six X-ray machines that will benefit patients who will visit Kibwezi, Kisau, Mbooni, Kilungu, Tawa and Sultan Hamud Sub County hospitals.
He further disclosed that they have also purchased two ambulances for Kambu and Kilungu hospitals that will help in improving the referral system, ensuring that patients receive timely medical attention across the county.
“I am pleased to share that we have purchased six X-ray machines for various hospitals and in the next two weeks, we will deliver the seventh and the first ever digital X-ray for Matiliku Subcounty hospital further expanding our diagnostic reach,” said Mutula while delivering his speech during Mashujaa Day Celebrations held at Matiliku town in Nzaui Subcounty on Sunday.
“These ambulances will enhance our referral system and ensure patients receive timely medical attention. These efforts have borne fruit increasing the workload to a high of 300% as evidenced in Kilungu and Matiliku Subcounty hospitals,” he added.
He revealed that Mutyambua, Emali, Kyambeke and Nthongoni hospitals have been upgraded from Level £ to Level 4 as a result there has been an increase in staffing, modern equipment and surgical theatres hence enabled the facilities to handle complex cases and referral from lower –level facilities.
Additionally, the Governor noted that he has directed the health department to implement a locum programme to ensure health facilities operated by one healthcare worker are not closed when they go on leave.
“I have tasked the health department to implement the locum programme that ensures the facilities operated by one healthcare workers are cot closed when they attend to official duties or on leave. This will be a critical milestone as we roll out the process of operationalizing the twenty-four-hour model health facilities,” he posed.
On drugs, Mutula said that they are stocking all health facilities in the second quarter saying they are in discussion to overcome the shortage of drugs to avert unnecessary disruptions of provision of drugs.
On water, Mutula said it remained a priority and will ensure last mile water delivery to the last beneficiary where they will be able to access safe and quality water in the county.
In this regard, he revealed that they have embarked on flagship water/irrigation projects namely AKWASH Kalawa, Athi Tunguni, Mulima Ngosini Earth Dam while saying they are working in a partnership with National Irrigation Authority to do feasibility study and fund Miangeni Irrigation scheme.
“These schemes once complete will increase safe water production by 5,000 cubic meters and additional acreage of irrigation by at least 500 acres,” he added.
By Patrick Nyakundi
