The new 150-bed capacity Covid-19 isolation centre at Ruiru Level Four Hospital whose construction was launched in July will be opened in three weeks’ time, Kiambu governor Dr. James Nyoro has said.
The Sh65million facility is constructed using prefabricated technology and will handle cases reported in the densely populated Sub County. It will help the County attain over 1,000 Covid-19 isolation beds.
Speaking after inspecting its progress Saturday, Nyoro said the facility was 60 percent complete and hoped it will be opened by December.
He said it was constructed using part of the Sh185 million that they received as Covid-19 grant, from the national government, adding that the remaining funds will be used to procure equipment and refurbishment of other health centers.
The governor said over the Covid-19 period, the County has employed about 500 medical personnel who will be deployed in new or expanded hospitals among them Ruiru, Lussy Getti, Wangige, and Tigoni Covid Isolation centre.
“This facility will cater for patients in this populous Sub County. It will be for posterity. Again, local investors have promised to contribute for the construction of another state of the art storey hospital here,” said Nyoro.
He also raised concern over increasing Covid-19 cases in the County, saying his health officers and the police are under instruction to monitor compliance in markets, eateries, bars, and matatus and to arrest those non-compliant.
While noting that the County averages 50 cases daily, Nyoro called on residents not to drop the ball since modelling shows that the cases will go on until February. By November 10, the County had reported 4,223 cases, according to Ministry of Health data.
Biashara Ward MCA, who represents Ruiru town Eljah Njoroge welcomed the new facility saying residents are set to benefit as they are forced to seek treatment in Thika or Kiambu Level Five Hospitals that are kilometers away.
“Without malice, the performance of Nyoro can be seen practically. Since he assumed office, Ruiru Constituency has got three markets, hospital wing, fire engine and the tarmacking of several roads and drilling of boreholes. He has surpassed expectations,” he said.
By Charles Muoki
