Kiambu County has achieved a major milestone in healthcare innovation following the successful conduct of its first telemedicine-assisted surgery.
The breakthrough is expected to strengthen specialized medical care, training, and collaboration among health professionals across the county.
The landmark procedure, a live Caesarean section performed at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital using the Proximie digital platform, brought together healthcare professionals from Kiambu Level 5 Hospital, Kihara Level 4 Hospital, and Thika Level 5 Hospital, alongside medical experts based in the United Kingdom.
The surgery was conducted and monitored in real time through advanced digital surgical technology, enabling specialists in different locations to observe, guide, and support the procedure remotely.
According to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Dr. Elias Maina, the Proximie platform facilitates seamless collaboration among surgeons and medical practitioners by combining high-definition video technology with interactive digital tools.
The system allows healthcare professionals to share expertise, mentor one another, and provide clinical support regardless of geographical location.
Kihara Level 4 Hospital, whose medical team participated in the exercise, described the event as a historic achievement in the county’s healthcare transformation journey.
This technology will reportedly enhance access to specialist knowledge, improve clinical decision-making, and provide healthcare workers with valuable opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.
“The telemedicine-assisted surgery is also expected to strengthen collaboration among hospitals within the county by creating a digital network through which medical practitioners can consult, audit procedures, and exchange knowledge in real time,” Dr. Maina added.
The adoption of telemedicine solutions is increasingly becoming an important component of modern healthcare systems, particularly in improving access to specialized care and reducing the need for patient referrals.
This initiative aligns with Kiambu County’s ongoing efforts to modernize healthcare services through investment in medical infrastructure, advanced equipment, and digital health technologies.
Dr. Maina expressed confidence that the successful procedure demonstrates the potential of telemedicine in bridging geographical barriers and bringing specialist expertise closer to patients while enhancing the quality of care offered in public health facilities.
Additionally, this achievement marks the beginning of a new era of connected healthcare in Kiambu, where technology will play a central role in improving service delivery, fostering innovation, and transforming patient outcomes.
The county now plans to explore broader adoption of telemedicine and digital surgical support systems as part of efforts to build a resilient, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system.
By Collins Esike
