Coast

Health committee urges Kwale County to replace old hospital equipment

Chief nursing officer Msambweni Referral Hospital Hanifa Mwarora, chair Senate Health Committee Jackson Mandago and other Senators tour the facility on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

By Mishi Gongo | Friday, June 21, 2024

Msambweni Referral Hospital is the largest hospital in Kwale County, receiving patients from other facilities in the region.

The Senate Health Committee has called on the Kwale County government to replace medical equipment at the Msambweni Referral Hospital, as the current ones are old and cannot provide efficient health services.

Uasin Gishu senator Jackson Mandago, who also doubles as the committee chairperson, said the equipment cannot be relied upon to serve locals from all four Kwale sub-counties.

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Msambweni Referral Hospital is the largest hospital in Kwale County, receiving patients from other facilities in the region.

The hospital has been grappling with the constant breakdowns of machines such as X-rays, forcing locals to seek services from Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital in Mombasa County. Msambweni Hospital receives more than 200 patients per day.

Among the equipment to be replaced are equipment in the intensive care unit, ultrasound, and radiology departments exclusively.

Senate Health Committee, led by chairperson Jackson Mandago tour Msambweni Referral Hospital on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

"The lifespan of this equipment is about six years, so they are unable to render effective services. The equipment here is old and needs immediate replacement. We are calling on the county to start the process of replacing them," said Mandago during an inspection tour of the hospital on Thursday.

Other than equipment, Mandago also urged the county to employ more health workers to make up for the shortage that the hospital is currently experiencing.

"Among the government's manifestos was to improve the health sector. For this to happen, our hospitals need qualified health workers to offer effective services," he said.

Mandago suggested that the county employ medical interns on a contract basis to allow the students to gain skills in the sector.

"We can absorb the student interns rather than sending them home after the training. Staying at home will only make them forget the skills they acquired during their internship," he explained.

Chief nursing officer Msambweni Refferal Hospital Hanifa Mwarora, and chair Senate Health Committee Jackson Mandago and other Senate members tour the facility on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Photos: Mishi Gongo)

Chief nursing officer Msambweni Referral Hospital Hanifa Mwarora, chair Senate Health Committee Jackson Mandago and other Senators tour the facility on Thursday, June 20, 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)