It is a sigh of relief for the residents of Songhor Soba ward in Tinderet Sub-County, who have long endured the burden of limited access to healthcare, following the opening of additional health facilities at Miteitei Sub County hospital.
For years, expectant mothers, the elderly and patients requiring specialised treatment have been forced to travel long distances to access essential services—journeys that were often costly, time-consuming and, in some cases, life-threatening.
Today, that narrative is steadily changing following the commissioning of a series of modern health facilities at Meteitei, a move that is already being hailed as a turning point in the region’s healthcare journey.
At the centre of this transformation is the newly unveiled 22-bed Meteitei Sub-County Maternity Hospital, a facility designed to provide comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services.
The hospital, alongside a Prime Care Clinic, a fully equipped Eye Clinic and an AI-powered tuberculosis (TB) X-ray machine, was officially commissioned recently by Nandi Governor Stephen Sang during a ceremony attended by local leaders, health officials and members of the public.
Speaking during the event held at Meteitei, Governor Sang said the county government is prioritising healthcare as a key pillar of development, noting that improved access to medical services is essential for the well-being and productivity of residents.
“For a long time, our people have struggled to access essential health services due to distance and limited facilities. Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to bring healthcare closer to the people and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
The 22-bed maternity hospital is expected to significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes in the region. Previously, many women in labour had to travel to distant facilities, sometimes under difficult conditions, leading to delays that increased the risk of complications. With the new hospital in place, expectant mothers will now have access to safe delivery services, skilled medical personnel and postnatal care within their locality.
The County Executive Committee Member for Health, Dr Angeline Kirui, said the facility will ease pressure on referral hospitals while ensuring timely intervention for mothers and newborns.
“This maternity hospital is fully equipped to handle both normal and complicated deliveries. It will help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by ensuring that mothers receive quality care at the right time and in the right place,” she said.
Beyond maternal services, the Prime Care Clinic is set to play a crucial role in strengthening primary healthcare. The clinic will provide outpatient services, diagnosis and treatment for common illnesses, reducing congestion in larger health facilities and improving efficiency in service delivery.
Residents will also benefit from the newly established Eye Clinic, which brings specialised eye care services closer to the community. For years, cases of vision impairment and preventable blindness have gone untreated due to lack of nearby facilities. The clinic will offer screening, treatment and referral services, giving hope to patients who previously had limited options.
In a major boost to disease control efforts, the installation of an AI-powered TB X-ray machine is expected to revolutionize tuberculosis screening and diagnosis in the area. The technology allows for faster and more accurate detection of TB, enabling early treatment and helping curb the spread of the disease within the community.
Dr Kirui emphasised that embracing modern technology is key to strengthening healthcare systems and improving outcomes.
“Early detection is critical in managing tuberculosis. This machine will enable us to diagnose patients quickly and start treatment immediately, which is essential in preventing transmission,” she noted.
The commissioning of the facilities also reflects the county’s broader strategy of enhancing healthcare through infrastructure development, equipment modernisation and improved staffing. Health officials indicated that more investments are planned to ensure that even remote areas benefit from quality healthcare services.
Local leaders and residents have expressed optimism that the new facilities will address longstanding challenges in accessing medical care. Community leader Joseph Kibet described the development as life-changing for the people of the area.
“We have suffered for many years due to lack of nearby health services. Mothers have had to travel far while in labour, and many people have delayed seeking treatment because of the distance. These facilities will save lives and reduce the burden on families,” he said.
Residents also noted that improved healthcare services are likely to have a ripple effect on other aspects of life, including economic productivity and education, as healthier communities are better positioned to engage in development activities.
The projects underscore the commitment by the county government to ensure equitable access to healthcare across Nandi County. As the facilities begin operations, they are expected to not only improve health outcomes but also restore confidence in the local healthcare system.
by Sammy Mwibanda
