Turkana county government with support from Rev Jung Ja Rhee of South Korea through the Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG) Church –Napeikar has commissioned a new maternity block at Napeikar Dispensary, Loima Sub-county.
The area Chief Officer for Medical Services, Dr Gilchrist Lokoel, said the new facility has been equipped by the County Government, and a nurse posted to manage the expected increase in workload.
Dr Lokoel said, “We are committed to enhance health services by deploying a clinical officer. In future, we will elevate the dispensary to a health centre, making it a referral facility for the area,” he stated.
The Ag Director for Health Products and Technologies, Dr David Moru, assured the community of continuous support to equip the block with an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines and medical supplies.
Peter Ekope, the Loima Sub-County Public Health Nurse, highlighted that the new maternity has 10 beds, enhancing skilled birth attendance services in the area.
Bishop Wilson Lokaalei and Assistant Bishop Charles Kamais, and Joshua Kang (Missionary).
Community representatives Loworo Aruman (representing women) and Charles Pedo (Chair of the Naipekar Dispensary Facility Committee) expressed their gratitude, stating that essential services were being brought closer to the people.
Women, they said, no longer have to travel to Lodwar for maternal care services.
Others in attendance were the County Health Management Team; Dr Yvonne Musa – (Deputy Director Clinical Services), Samuel Lokemer (County Non-Communicable Diseases Coordinator) among others.
By Peter Gitonga
