The county government of Kwale has launched a covid-19 treatment centre at the Msambweni Sub County Referral Hospital.
Governor Salim Mvurya on Saturday said the county government spent Sh. 78 million in setting up and equipping the new covid-19 facility that can accommodate 60 patients.
The 60-bed facility is equipped with a portable X-Ray machine, three ventilators, 11 patient monitors among other medical equipment and is managed by a well-trained medical personnel among them a biomedical engineer, medical doctors and nurses
Mvurya said staff at the new facility will provide help and masks for those who think they may have covid-19 and ensure that no mingling with other patients.
“Since the first case of coronavirus was reported here almost two months ago, we have been working closely with the national government in sensitizing the people, and also quarantining and testing those suspected to have come into close contact with patients or might have travel history,” stated the Governor.
He said currently Kwale County is using the KEMRI Kilifi laboratories for testing samples of those quarantined or suspected to have coronavirus symptoms but said his administration is putting mechanisms to have the tests done in Kwale.
“Our laboratory has got an ISO certification to test covid-19. We are currently sourcing for the required equipment and very soon we shall be taking samples and do the testing here,” said Mvurya.
Mvurya commended Kwale residents for their cooperation with government agencies enforcing the health set regulations by the government in curbing the spread of covid-19 infections, and urged them to strictly adhere to the rules.
He warned that those caught going against the regulations will face legal actions for endangering their lives and those of others.
“Let us all follow the regulations stipulated by the government on containing the spread of the pandemic. I also urge our security agencies to be more vigilant especially in our border areas with Tanzania to control illegal movements,” he said.
Mvurya also assured the people of Kwale that the county medical personnel have undergone the required training to handle any reported covid-19 cases.
“As a county we have also ensured that our health workers have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) in all our health facilities across the county,” he added.
“So far Kwale County has only reported a single covid-19 case where the patient a foreign national has already left the country” Mvurya stated.
The Kwale County Commissioner (CC), Karuku Ngumo who was also present at the opening of the facility, urged residents of Kwale to adhere to the measures by the government to contain the spread of the pandemic in Kenya.
Ngumo reminded the people that the county government of Kwale together with the national government has invested a lot in the fight against the spread of the Covid-19.
“It is costly to treat coronavirus and I therefore ask everyone to strictly follow the public health rules and if anyone of you sees suspected covid-19 case please do not hesitate to report. Just send an alert to 988 and the government will take quick action,” Ngumo said.
On border challenges, the County Commissioner said that the government is finalizing on setting up a Police Post at the Kenya-Tanzania border in Lunga Lunga to ensure there is enough security to stop those crossing to illegally.
He also added that the security at the borders of Kwale and Mombasa counties has been tightened to monitor the movements in and out of the county.
By Hussein Abdullahi
