Governor Amos Nyaribo has assured Nyamira residents that the County is set to establish renal units in sub county health facilities to provide dialysis services closer to the people and decongest the County Referral hospital.
Speaking at Nyamira Referral Hospital when he launched a new dialysis unit with an increased number of dialysis machines at Doctor’s Plaza on Wednesday, Governor Nyaribo encouraged patients with health challenges affecting the kidney to utilize the available machines and services.
“I am commissioning 10 dialysis machines today for Namira referral hospital. Plans to procure 30 more are at an advanced stage. Of the 30 to be procured, 10 will be allocated to Keroka sub county hospital, 10 to Ekerenyo sub county hospital and the remaining 10 will be placed here at Nyamira referral hospital. Nyamira had 3 before today’s commissioning of 10 therefore it will eventually have a total of 23 because it receives more patients, some drawn from neighboring counties,” the county boss confirmed.
“I appeal to patients with renal complications and all other related health issues to seek treatment services to deal with this health condition which is currently attacking people of all ages,” Nyaribo urged.
The machines launched in Nyamira referral hospital will enable the health practitioners conduct 26 dialysis sessions in a day.
Nyamira Referral Hospital’s renal unit was transferred from the general wards to a newly opened site that is spacious with a nursing station and other essential amenities.
“My administration will buy more dialysis reagents and employ more medical staff to meet patients’ needs and sustain quality and efficiency. Don’t lose hope as you come for dialysis. This procedure can prolong your lives as you find ways of getting a kidney transplant,” the Governor encouraged.
A patient, Mr. Joseph Omwando, expressed relief that he will not be worried about long hours on the queue for his turn to undergo dialysis anymore.
“We’ve been struggling to get to the hospital by 4:00 AM latest so that you manage to be registered and be scheduled on the queue because of fewer machines. I appreciate the governor’s thought to add machines and his future plans to add dialysis machines to sub-County facilities so we don’t have to travel all the way to Nyamira to seek dialysis services which are very critical for our sustenance,” Omwando said.
Another patient, Mr. Julius Bosire, narrated how he suffered while he sought for dialysis services from outside the County.
“I used to travel all the way to Nairobi, but now I can get the services closer home which is cost effective,” he added.
Dr. Jared Oeba, the County Director for Medical Services confirmed that the County has already financed training of two renal clinicians to ensure specialized care for patients.
“With enough modern machines, Nyamira’s renal unit is poised to become a beacon of hope for kidney patients across the region,” Dr. Oeba assured.
The Governor was accompanied by County Executive Committee Members Dr. Donald Mogoi for health, CPA Emilly Ongaga for education, Dr. John Matiang’i for gender and sports, Mr. Stephen Oboso for finance, Mr. Benard Omwenga for trade, Dr. Peris Mong’are for Agriculture, Dr. Grace Nyamongo for roads, Chief Officers, among other guests.
By Deborah Bochere
