Murang’a marks one year since the inception of telemedicine services, which has significantly reduced congestion in public hospitals and widened the access to healthcare in the county.
The impact of the digital health programme is now being felt across the county, with long queues that once characterised major health facilities becoming a thing of the past.
Through the programme, 35 health facilities spread across all the 35 wards in Murang’a County were connected to the internet, allowing patients to consult doctors virtually.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the county adopted telemedicine to address the challenge of overcrowded hospitals and long waiting hours, especially for patients with chronic illnesses, who require frequent follow-ups.
“In the past year, we have seen a major reduction of queues in our hospitals. Patients who used to travel long distances to Murang’a Level-5 Hospital can now consult doctors online from their local health facilities,” said Kang’ata.
The governor also noted that telemedicine had been particularly helpful in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases
The governor was speaking at Kibio Primary School during celebrations to mark the first anniversary of the telemedicine programme, which was held alongside a medical camp, where more than 3,000 residents received free treatment.
The free medical camp was facilitated by Safaricom Foundation, which partnered with the county government to bring specialised doctors closer to the people.
Residents received free consultation services for chronic diseases, eye check-ups, dental care and general medical screening.
The beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the services received, saying the initiative had brought the much needed relief to families struggling with healthcare costs and access.
Lincon Mwangi, one of the beneficiaries, praised the organisers of the medical camp saying the services were timely and well-coordinated.
“I received treatment and consultations that would have cost me a lot of money elsewhere. The doctors took time to listen to us, and we left satisfied,” Mwangi said.
Other residents echoed similar sentiments saying telemedicine has saved them time and money while improving the quality of healthcare services.
“Before we would wake up very early and still spend the whole day in hospital queues. Now we are attended to faster, and some consultations are done online,” said Mary Wairimu.
As Murang’a County marks one year of telemedicine services, residents and health officials alike say the initiative is already transforming healthcare delivery and bringing services closer to the people.
By Bernard Munyao
