The Trans Nzoia County Commissioner (CC), Samson Ojwang has expressed fears that Trans Nzoia may lack capacity to handle cases of Covid-19 should the outbreak of the disease occur in the area.
Speaking during the distribution of food to flood victims at Namanjala Secondary School on Sunday, the county commissioner said that the county referral hospital lacks an ICU which is important in the treatment of coronavirus.
He said in the event of the confirmation of a positive case in the region, the patient would be taken all the way to the Eldoret-based Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“Our fears are that, God forbid, in case we get a confirmation of Covid-19 in the county, we only have a building with no ICU, ventilators, monitors and other crucial machines,” he said.
He asked the Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa to intervene and have the equipment available to save the people of Trans Nzoia.
According to the CC at least three people from Trans Nzoia have died of the disease but outside the county.
During the past county response emergency committee meetings, the County Governor, Patrick Khaemba disclosed that at least Sh.10 million had been set aside to equip Mt. Elgon hospital that has been identified for Covid-19 cases.
The County Executive for Health, Claire Wanyama however, said that orders had been made through KEMRI but the equipment had not been received.
The governor also disclosed that the referral hospital has a well-equipped laboratory and has been pressurizing the ministry of health to allow them carry out the tests for Covid-19 but has failed to equip the ICU.
The Khetia Drappers Company gave a donation of foods stuffs that will help 500 flood victims in the county.
By Pauline Ikanda
