Nairobi: After a prolonged wait of four decades, the Bondeni maternity hospital in Nakuru County has inaugurated its long-awaited surgical theatre, providing vital services to over 60,000 residents. The theatre, which cost Sh.15 million to operationalize, marks a significant improvement in local healthcare access.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Susan Kihika highlighted the historical neglect of the theatre, originally built in 1985, which remained unused due to a lack of essential equipment and personnel. The theatre's revival is part of the county's initiative to invest in stalled projects, addressing the needs of expectant mothers who previously had to travel over three kilometers to the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital for surgeries-a journey that sometimes resulted in tragic outcomes.
Governor Kihika detailed the comprehensive upgrades to Bondeni hospital, which included an investment of over Sh.20 million. These upgrades introduced new units such as a laboratory, pharmacy, and kitchen, enhancing the hospital's capacity to provide comprehensive healthcare. The governor reassured residents that critical emergency services would now be available locally, reducing the need for referrals.
The theatre's first successful procedure involved a 28-year-old woman who underwent a Caesarean section performed by a team led by Dr. John Murima, the County's senior medical specialist. Dr. Murima, also the Chief Officer for medical services, emphasized that the new facility would alleviate pressure on the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital and serve as a local solution for surgical needs.
Dr. Murima noted that the theatre would play a crucial role in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates by providing a safe environment for necessary surgeries. This development allows Bondeni maternity hospital, now a level four facility, to extend its care to more complex obstetric cases, improving overall health outcomes.
The historical Bondeni hospital, established in 1952, has evolved from its origins as a maternity center for African women to a modern facility with advanced medical capabilities. While the hospital was once managed by the defunct Municipal Council of Nakuru, it has been upgraded to level four status since 2015, with its own budget allocation. Currently, the hospital records between 170 and 200 deliveries monthly, serving as a vital healthcare hub in the heart of Nakuru's Bondeni slum.