Over 4000 residents of Karumandi ward in Kirinyaga County can now access affordable and quality healthcare services following the opening of a new dispensary by the Kirinyaga County Government.
Mucagara dispensary which was officially opened by Governor Anne Waiguru will serve residents of 10 villages within Kirerema and Kariru Sub-Locations.
Governor Waiguru said residents will access outpatient services, maternal and child welfare services, and laboratory and pharmaceutical services at the facility.
The dispensary represents a very significant investment in the county’s healthcare goals as it will provide the much-needed access to affordable primary healthcare which is a critical component of Universal Health Coverage.
“We have come back as part of fulfilling our pledge to improve health service delivery in Karumandi. This dispensary is a valuable resource for the area residents and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that it will have on their lives,” Waiguru said.
The ward has had only one public health facility which is Karumandi Health Center and the opening of the Mucagara dispensary will save residents time and cost incurred while travelling long distances to access healthcare services.
The dispensary is the 12th medical facility to be opened by the governor in the last two years and is among the 20 dispensary projects that have been constructed by the Waiguru administration.
“We will continue strengthening our primary healthcare systems to address various health challenges in the community before they escalate to levels that need to be managed at our higher-level hospitals,” the Governor added.
She said the county has already deployed 1,205 Community Heath Promoters (CHPs) across the county and equipped them to be able to offer basic health services and referrals to residents.
“Some of the services that you should expect from the CHPs include: public health education, basic tests such as blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, body temperature, child growth monitoring, deworming, and First Aid,” the Governor added.
The CHPs will also help in following up on expectant mothers to ensure that they attend antenatal clinics, deliver in a health facility, and attend child welfare clinics after delivery.
“We are asking for your support as we promote preventive health since that will help us reduce the disease burden in our county,” Waiguru said.
Area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Caroline Wanjiku Muriithi and residents said the facility offers a big relief as it will save them the agony of walking long distances seeking medical services.
By Mutai Kipngetich
