Makueni: Seven hospitals in Makueni County are set to be equipped with new X-ray machines, enhancing healthcare services across the region, according to the county’s Governor, Mutula Kilonzo Jr. The announcement was made during the Mashujaa Day Celebrations in Matiliku town, where the governor outlined several healthcare improvements, including the acquisition of ambulances and upgrades to local hospitals.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. disclosed that six X-ray machines have already been purchased for Kibwezi, Kisau, Mbooni, Kilungu, Tawa, and Sultan Hamud Sub County hospitals. An additional, first-ever digital X-ray machine is expected to be delivered to Matiliku Subcounty hospital within the next two weeks. ‘I am pleased to share that we have purchased six X-ray machines for various hospitals and in the next two weeks, we will deliver the seventh and the first ever digital X-ray for Matiliku Subcounty hospital further expanding our diagnostic reach,” said Mutula.
The governor
also highlighted the delivery of two new ambulances to Kambu and Kilungu hospitals aimed at improving the referral system and ensuring timely medical attention for patients throughout the county. These additions are part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare infrastructure, which includes upgrading Mutyambua, Emali, Kyambeke, and Nthongoni hospitals from Level 3 to Level 4. These upgrades have allowed the facilities to handle more complex cases and increase staffing, modern equipment, and surgical theatres.
Additionally, Mutula emphasized the implementation of a locum programme to ensure that health facilities operated by a single healthcare worker are not closed during their leave or other absences. ‘I have tasked the health department to implement the locum programme that ensures the facilities operated by one healthcare worker are not closed when they attend to official duties or on leave. This will be a critical milestone as we roll out the process of operationalizing the twenty-four-hour model h
ealth facilities,’ he explained.
The governor also addressed issues related to drug supply and water, asserting that discussions are ongoing to overcome drug shortages and that water remains a high priority. He mentioned several flagship water and irrigation projects, such as AKWASH Kalawa and Athi Tunguni, which aim to increase safe water production by 5,000 cubic meters and add at least 500 acres of irrigable land.
These healthcare and infrastructure initiatives are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for residents of Makueni County, ensuring better health services and access to essential resources.
