History made after first successful hip replacement and spine surgery in Lamu County

Lamu County has made history by conducting its first successful hip replacement and spine surgery at the newly opened Mokowe Orthopedics and Trauma Unit.

This milestone is part of the County Government of Lamu’s ongoing efforts to invest in the health sector and provide residents with quality medical services.

The state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated on Friday by Governor Issa Timamy, marks a significant advancement in the county’s healthcare capabilities.

Previously, residents had to seek specialised medical services outside the county.

"For years, we had to travel long distances for specialised medical care. This new facility is a blessing for our community," Aisha Mohammed, a local resident said expressing her relief and gratitude.

Another resident, Ahmed Yusuf, praised the county's efforts.

"This hospital is a game-changer for us. Many people couldn't afford to travel for treatment before. Now, we have access to the care we need right here at home," he said.

Fatuma Hassan, a local business owner, expressed her hopes for the future. "With improved healthcare facilities, I believe more people will move to Mokowe, and businesses will thrive. It's a positive step for our entire community," she stated.

According to Governor Timamy, the newly refurbished facility features a modern specialised orthopaedics theatre capable of performing complex bone and joint surgeries, including spine surgery, hip and knee replacements, and open fixation of fractures.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy at the newly opened Mokowe Orthopedics and Trauma Unit. (Photo: Lamu County)

"It also houses wards for inpatient services, including general illnesses and fracture management,” he said.

Free surgeries

Patients who underwent successful screenings will receive free complex bone and joint surgeries at the Mokowe facility. A team of 38 medical doctors will carry out these procedures, providing high-quality care within the county.

Governor Timamy emphasised his commitment to ensuring that residents, investors, and visitors receive top-notch medical services without needing to travel outside Lamu’s borders.

Anne Wambui, a teacher in Mokowe, highlighted the importance of the new facility on education.

"Health and education go hand in hand. With better healthcare, our students will miss fewer school days and perform better academically," she noted.

Governor Timamy said the Mokowe Sub-County Referral Hospital stands out for its specialised orthopaedics and maternity services stating plans are also underway to establish a comprehensive eye centre at the facility.

along with the board of executives, extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Timamy, the Safaricom Foundation, and the Lamu County Department of Health for their efforts in revamping the hospital, which had been neglected since its inception in 1983.

“The Mokowe community appreciates this significant milestone and welcomes all to the county headquarters, Mokowe City,” the Chairman of the Mokowe Mainland Community-Based Organisation, Abdirashid Aden said.

In addition to orthopaedic services, the County Government of Lamu, in partnership with the Safaricom Foundation, will officially open a new Maternity and Newborn Unit.

This unit will address maternal and newborn health emergencies, aiming to improve the quality of prenatal and postnatal care. The maternity unit will be equipped with a labour ward for normal deliveries and cesarean sections, as well as antenatal and postnatal wards.

"My wife will soon give birth, and knowing that we have a top-notch maternity unit nearby gives us peace of mind," Hassan Ali, another local said.