Migori County has commissioned a Sh200 million Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)/Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) molecular diagnostic machine to enable Migori County Referral Hospital to perform efficient medical tests.
Speaking during the launch of the machine at Migori County Referral, Migori Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko said that his administration was able to meet conditions for approval by the donors and the national government which was key in the acquisition of the machine.
The machine which costs an average of Sh200 million, is one of a kind as it has the capability of running HIV tests as well as more than 29 complex diagnostic tests.
The PCR machine can also be used to replicate DNA, detect DNA sequences, carry out DNA fingerprints, and forensics among others.
Ayacko said that the machine will be a game changer for the residents of Migori and the neighboring counties as they will be able to get their medical test results within the shortest time.
“Majority of the county residents had to incur extra costs of traveling to other counties for diagnostic tests. This new machine will enable our county residents to save time and resources,” Ayacko noted.
The Governor expressed his gratitude to the hospital management and those who partnered with the county to make the machine operational.
He emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the county residents access affordable and quality healthcare services right from the grassroots level.
Migori County Executive Committee Member for Health (CECM) Julis Nyerere urged the medical department personnel to ensure they maintain a high level of credibility when it comes to handling the DNA/PCR molecular diagnostic machine.
“We want this machine to help our people get the basic services to improve the health care of our residents, cut unnecessary trips of seeking diagnostic tests in other counties, and provide an enabling environment for medical staff to serve our people,” said Nyerere.
By Janemolly Achieng and Marion Obuya
