Narok County Government has welcomed Safaricom Foundation’s plan to construct six maternity wards under the Uzazi Salama Programme at Chepalungu Hospital, Ololulung’a Ward in Narok South worth Sh300 million.
Speaking during the foundation stone laying event, Safaricom Foundation board chairman Michael Joseph said the maternity facility will significantly ease the challenges faced by expectant mothers who have to travel long distances to access childbirth services and maternal child health services.
“For years, women have been trekking long distances with some crossing to the neighbouring sub-counties in search of maternity services,” Joseph said.
Mr Joseph urged the locals to utilise the facilities and give prompt feedback to enable the provision of better services to the locals.
Additionally, he pointed out that such effort is expected to drastically reduce infant mortality rates by a greater percentage stressing the need for expectant mothers to religiously attend both antenatal and postnatal visits in a bid to avoid loss of life.
County Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu welcomed the development saying local and foreign development partners were welcome to implement social projects that benefit locals.
Ntutu said that this will not only ease the financial burden on their shoulders but will also improve the access of quality healthcare services received by the mothers and children under the age of five years.
The county boss insisted on the need for utilising the facility once it becomes operational as this will help them address any healthcare challenges, they might experience so that they could be addressed promptly.
This initiative marks a major milestone for Narok County Government as it will strengthen the health infrastructure.
Area residents will enjoy a variety of healthcare services such as reproductive health, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health among other services.
By Emily Kadzo
