The construction of a multi-million ultra-modern Plaza at Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital (VTRH) is at 80 percent completion.
The facility is expected to significantly enhance healthcare service delivery within Western region.
Speaking during an inspection of the project, VTRH Chief Executive Officer Titus Mumia said the facility will be a major milestone for the hospital, which has been elevated to a Level 5 status.
Mumia noted that the plaza will provide an opportunity to expand specialized medical services, including mental healthcare, and improve access to quality treatment for patients in the region.
“The project is important to the growth of the hospital and will enable us to offer more specialized services to the public,” he said.
The CEO, however, identified a shortage of nurses and the need to equip the facility with modern medical equipment as some of the challenges that must be addressed before the plaza becomes fully operational.
He further raised concerns about gaps in the National Equipment Service Program (NESP), noting that some aspects of the initiative require review to ensure that patients’ interests remain the top priority.
Mumia emphasized that healthcare equipment programmes should be implemented in a manner that promotes quality healthcare and safeguards the welfare of patients.
“The primary objective should be to improve healthcare services and patient outcomes rather than focusing on profits arising from equipment agreements,” he said.
Once completed and fully equipped, the VTRH Plaza is expected to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to deliver specialized healthcare services and improve access to quality medical care for area residents.
By Rose Wasike
