Malindi hospital performs first-ever hip replacement, giving new hope to patients in Kilifi

Tony Ngunanga spent years in constant, crippling pain, struggling to walk as his worsening hip condition pushed him closer to losing his mobility altogether.

But this month, he became a symbol of hope for many in Kilifi County after becoming the first patient to undergo a successful total hip replacement surgery at Malindi Sub-County Hospital.

“I suffered for a long time. I used to tell people that my leg would be amputated. I was in constant pain and losing hope. But after several tests at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital, doctors told me they won’t cut the leg. After the tests, that is when they discovered the truth that my hip was severely damaged,” said Ngunanga.

His condition had reached an advanced stage.

The orthopaedic doctor at Malindi Hospital, Dr Awadh Hemed, explained that the top of Ngunanga’s thigh bone started dying because it wasn’t getting blood, not from an infection, but simply because the bone was starved of oxygen and nutrients.

“The hip was already decaying, and it was no longer receiving blood. We consulted with him, reviewed the test results together, and decided on a full hip replacement. It was a bold step, but necessary. This case proves that specialised surgeries like these can be done here, not just in Nairobi or India,” said Awadh.

Delicate procedure

The surgery lasted several hours and was carried out by a local team. It was a delicate procedure, cutting away the damaged bone and replacing it with a prosthetic joint, but it was a success.

Days later, Ngunanga began physiotherapy and took his first steps towards recovery.

His wife, Rachael Gung’ombe, who had stood by his side through years of pain, said they were initially overwhelmed when told the procedure would be done locally.

“We were worried when we heard the operation was so major. Our first question was, where will we get the money? We always thought surgeries like these could only happen in Mombasa or Nairobi. But we are so grateful to the doctors. They did everything with care, and now my husband can walk again,” she said.

Hospital officials say this is only the beginning.

Malindi Hospital Health Administrator, Said Ali Said, said the milestone surgery signals a shift in how patients in the region will access specialist care.

“Previously, we had no option but to refer these cases to Coast General Hospital in Mombasa, or even further to Tanzania and India. But now, patients can receive the same quality care here in Malindi, close to their families, without the stress of long-distance travel,” he said.

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County officials echoed the sentiment.

County health agenda

Kilifi Health Executive Peter Mwarogo said the county government is now working to scale up similar services in other facilities.

“We want residents of Kilifi to know that advanced medical care is now accessible. Not only in Malindi but also in the Kilifi County Referral Hospital. We are actively improving infrastructure to roll out such services across all level-four hospitals.”

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro noted the landmark surgery also aligns with his health agenda, which focuses on decentralising critical healthcare services to reduce the burden on residents.

“As your Governor, I am committed to bringing quality, affordable healthcare closer to our people. No more long trips to Nairobi or Mombasa just to get specialist treatment.”

For Ngunanga, the impact is deeply personal. He walks with a renewed spring in his step, no longer burdened by the pain that once ruled his life. His story now offers inspiration and assurance to others suffering from similar conditions.

“I want people to know that we have good doctors here in Malindi. This is something big.”