The Department of Health and Sanitation Services through the Directorate of Specialised and Referral Services, will now assume responsibility for servicing the Oxygen Plant at Lodwar County Referral Hospital (LCRH), following the official completion of the maintenance contract by CHEMONICS/Jhpiego.
CHEMONICS/JPIEGO has been responsible for servicing the plant since its installation three years ago under funding support from USAID. However, following the 2025 funding cuts, the organization’s maintenance contract will not be renewed.
This was announced during a courtesy call to the County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Services, Dr. Esekon Joseph Epem.
Dr. Epem emphasized the importance of sustaining critical healthcare infrastructure to safeguard uninterrupted service delivery. “Reliable access to medical oxygen remains essential for emergency, surgical, maternal, newborn, and critical care services for the over 200,000 residents who depend on the services at LCRH,” he said.
To ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply services, the Directorate of Specialised and Referral Services will fund routine maintenance of the plant after every 2,000 hours of operation. This arrangement is expected to guarantee the continued functionality of the facility, which plays a critical role in saving lives and providing essential medical oxygen to patients across the county.
Speaking during the meeting, the Director for Health Products and Technologies, Dr. David Moru, said the county was committed to sustaining the operation of the oxygen plant to ensure a reliable supply of medical oxygen for patients requiring critical care.
“The oxygen plant remains a vital investment in our healthcare system. We are committed to ensuring its continued operation and maintenance so that our residents continue to access lifesaving oxygen services whenever they need them,” said Dr. Moru.
By Peter Gitonga
