Residents of Rukira village in Mahiga ward have every reason to smile after the County Government opened a new health facility in the area.
The dispensary, which is expected to serve at least 8,000 people, will offer Family Planning Services, Mother and Child care, Antenatal and Postnatal Units services among others.
The dispensary is expected to serve the residents of Ruguru, Kairore, Gathuku, Mati, Kagongo, Rugu and Wathamu.
Speaking during the event, Governor Mutahi Kahiga said the new health center will among others, greatly reduce the distance residents have to travel in seeking medical care in other areas.
“The dispensary, equipped with core and essential services, will be highly beneficial to the public. Not only can residents now seek treatment closer to home, but it also reduces the burden of commuting to the facilities they previously relied on. It also eases the pressure and workload on the other dispensaries that were accommodating the eight-thousand-plus population.
Citizens save time and transport costs, while staff can provide quality service to each patient,” said the Kahiga who was accompanied by joined by area MCA James Kanyugo and CECM Medical Services and Public Health, Dr. Joseph Kiragu,
The County boss underscored the critical role played by primary health care facilities, especially in addressing emerging health care challenges such as Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) which have been on the rise.
He said a sick community cannot create wealth for any nation and therefore the need to focus on investing in quality health medical care.
“The County Government of Nyeri continues to invest heavily in the health sector. Sick people are unable to support themselves or make a living, so what growth can we expect as a County if we do not invest in our people’s health?” posted the County boss on his official Facebook page.
“A healthy County is a rich County. We face a rising challenge of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. We hope to improve all our facilities so they can better mitigate these challenges,” added Kahiga.
The County government has been establishing additional primary health care facilities in the rural areas in a bid to address the ballooning disease burden among residents.
On Wednesday last week the county boss opened another dispensary in Mukurwe-ini West ward to ease access to primary health care for area residents.
While presiding over the opening of the new facility, Governor Kahiga said the dispensary will not only improve provision of health services to about 5,000 patients but also make healthcare affordable.
Kahiga further promised to continue expanding health facilities in all the 40 wards in the county as one way of ensuring residents living in far flung areas access medical care without hindrances.
“I had the honor of commissioning the Kaheti Dispensary in Mukurwe-ini West Ward, Mukurwe-ini Sub County. This was a County Government’s project through the Department of Medical Services and Public Health. A nod to Nyeri County’s vision: A wealthy County with healthy and secure people for shared prosperity,” he stated.
“The dispensary is here to alleviate the struggle of the people of Muyu Location and Gatura Sub-Location who were forced to seek medical help from other facilities like Ningaini Dispensary, Mukurwe-ini level 4, Ichamara Dispensary, Tambaya Dispensary and Njokini Dispensary; all an average of 5 kilometers away.”
The county boss labeled the dispensary as a game changer in providing health care in Mukurwe-ini, as it will help relieve pressure on nearby health centres especially during emergencies such as accidents.
The dispensary hosts a family planning care section, antenatal unit, a child welfare clinic, postnatal unit, immunization clinic and a general consultation section.
“The County Government of Nyeri through the Department of Public Health, is determined to make sure health services, a core need for the citizens, reach the people in proximity. Citizens should not need to travel miles to get basic health care and we will make sure that vision is realized. Under my stewardship, the County Government of Nyeri will continue pouring resources into the Health Sector so that when our people go to run their errands, they are in top tier shape.” added Kahiga.
The County government has been establishing additional primary health care facilities in the rural areas in a bid to address the ballooning disease burden among residents.
In June this year, the County embarked on the construction of a Level 4 health facility at Magana Ward, Tetu sub-county, to enhance the provision of health services to area residents.
Previously, residents of the area had to rely on the local Wamagana Dispensary to access primary health care services, while serious cases had to be referred to the Nyeri County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The Level Four facility, one of its kind in the area is set to cost Sh 300 million.
It is expected to be operational by 2027.
By Samuel Maina
