Some funds have been factored in this financial year’s budget to actualize establishment of specialized hospitals in Murang’a county.
Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Health Sabina Chege on Friday announced that the Kirwara orthopedic hospital which is under construction has been allocated Sh.70 million.
The hospital which will be the first public orthopedic facility in the central region, is expected to be operational by the end of this year.
Chege, who is also Murang’a county woman representative observed that the money will support in equipping the facility saying more funding is needed considering high cost of orthopedic equipment and treatment machines.
Speaking when Health Cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe toured the county to assess preparedness on measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 Friday, Chege stated that more funds have been allocated to Murang’a eye and dental hospital located in Kenol town.
“This financial year another Sh. 200 million has been set to upgrade Kigumo health centre to a level -4 facility. Once completed the hospital will relieve people from Kigumo and Kandara hustle of seeking treatment in Murang’a county referral hospital”, added Chege.
She noted that the money will go a long way to boost efforts by the Murang’a government in establishing health facilities which will handle special treatment.
Her sentiments came when governor Mwangi wa Iria requested the government through health CS to consider supporting the devolved administration in providing improved health care especially on specialized treatment.
Wa Iria said after completion of ICU at Murang’a Level -5 Hospital, patients who need intensive care have benefited a lot.
The ICU with a bed capacity of 35, Wa Iria noted that it currently has 19 ventilators and 16 more are needed.
He added that the centre which was commissioned in May this year can hold about 50 beds requesting the national government to consider supporting the county government to increase the number of beds in the ICU.
On the upcoming Kirwara Orthopedic hospital, the governor said the facility will be the first public of such kind, saying currently patients with bone related complications seek treatment from mission and private facilities.
On his part, Kagwe praised Murang’a government for the establishment of ICU, which took only a month to be completed.
He said Murang’a county is performing well in controlling the spread of covid-19 asking residents to adhere to guidelines given to contain the pandemic.
“I was pleased to see such a facility in Murang’a. The ICU will go a long way in supporting the health sector not only in this county but in the country,” added Kagwe.
Currently construction of the cancer centre is going on and is expected to open doors to patients in early next year.
By Bernard Munyao
