Nakuru County residents are set to benefit from a major upgrade in medical diagnostics following the installation of an advanced Atellica Solution and hematology machine at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital (NCRTH).
Supplied and installed by Elsmed, the machine will enhance diagnostic capacity by enabling tests for liver and kidney function, cardiac markers, tumor markers, and other specialized investigations. The hematology component is designed to detect blood-related conditions such as anemia and leukemia.
Once fully operational, the new system will eliminate the need to send specialized samples to private laboratories or facilities in Nairobi, reducing both the cost of care and waiting time for results. The fully automated hematology system can process over 1,200 tests per hour, significantly increasing laboratory efficiency.
County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, Roselyn Mungai, visited the laboratory to review the installation progress. She urged suppliers to fast-track the remaining work to ensure timely commissioning and utilization of the equipment.
Ms. Mungai reiterated the county government’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring quality healthcare for all residents. She highlighted that under Governor Susan Kihika’s leadership, Nakuru is focused on a resilient, people-centered health system, emphasizing that strategic partnerships are key to uninterrupted, quality services.
Engineers on site confirmed that installation is scheduled for completion by February 2, 2026. Once the technical setup is complete, laboratory staff will undergo training on operating and maintaining the machines to ensure long-term sustainability.
County Medical Laboratory Coordinator Ramadhan Musa said the new equipment will greatly improve test volumes, reduce turnaround time, and allow NCRTH to provide specialized diagnostic services to other health facilities within the county and the wider region.
By Jane Ngugi
