Mombasa residents benefit from free cleft lip and palate surgeries as Utange opens new theatre
By Farhiya Hussein |
The opening of the theatre began with a free surgical camp for residents, providing life-changing reconstructive surgeries at no cost.
Residents of Mombasa County are set to benefit from free surgeries to correct cleft lip and palate conditions, following the launch of a new operating theatre at Utange Level IV Hospital.
The new facility, commissioned by Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir on Friday, is set to transform healthcare access in the region, making advanced surgical care available to thousands.
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The opening of the theatre began with a free surgical camp for residents, providing life-changing reconstructive surgeries at no cost.
Conducted in partnership with the Rotary Club, the camp is addressing a major healthcare gap, offering relief to families who have previously struggled to afford specialized medical treatment.
Governor Abdullswamad, speaking at the inauguration, underscored the significance of this facility, which stands as the first advanced surgical centre between Kilifi and Coast General Hospital.
“This is the first public hospital in the region with the capacity to offer surgical operations, bridging a long-standing gap in Mombasa. We are starting with surgeries for children. They also deserve to smile and lead a full life,” he said.
Governor Abdullswamad also highlighted his administration’s policy of free treatment for all children under five years of age at county hospitals, reiterating the importance of protecting vulnerable residents.
“No child under five in Mombasa should have their parents charged a single penny in county health facilities,” he said.
The governor also announced a ten-day registration drive for the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme, aimed at securing health coverage for county residents.
“I will personally lead from the front in ensuring our people register in this health programme,” he said, urging residents to take advantage of the opportunity.
The event was attended by twelve Members of the County Assem
bly (MCAs), who praised the Governor’s leadership and the collective effort in bringing this facility to life.
The MCAs highlighted the importance of government collaboration with private partners like the Rotary Club, which has made it possible for the hospital to offer specialised surgeries to patients facing financial constraints.
With the new operating theatre in place, the hospital is expected to reduce the backlog of surgical cases in the region, expanding access to essential medical services.
This move further establishes Utange Level IV Hospital as a central healthcare provider in Mombasa County.
In addition to the new facility, the Governor shared his vision for a digital transformation across all county hospitals, moving away from paper records.
“Our hospitals must go digital. This allows us to track patient treatment, ensure medication availability, and monitor healthcare delivery in real-time,” he said, adding that digitisation would enhance transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
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