Marakwet West: Expectant mothers in Marakwet West are set to benefit from improved maternal healthcare services following the commissioning of a new maternity wing at Chebiemit Sub-County Hospital. The facility, constructed in partnership with the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SUOMI Finland), was officially opened by Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Wisley Rotich.
According to Kenya News Agency, the state-of-the-art maternity unit comprises an eight-bed prenatal and antenatal ward, an equipped delivery area, and advanced medical equipment, including newborn incubators and a phototherapy machine for treating jaundice and other skin conditions in newborns. Additionally, the facility is outfitted with an Electro Cardiogram (ECG) machine for heart condition monitoring and a sterile wave machine for safe and environmentally friendly medical waste disposal.
Speaking at the launch, Governor Rotich emphasized the county’s commitment to enhancing maternal healthcare. ‘This facility will go a long way in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates by ensuring expectant mothers receive the best care possible. We are grateful for the support from the Finnish government, and we will continue working to improve healthcare services for our people,’ he said.
The unit also boasts a 40,000-litre water storage capacity to ensure a continuous and reliable water supply, addressing a critical need for healthcare service delivery in the region. Residents and local health officials expressed their optimism about the new facility. Prisca Kibet, the Medical Superintendent at Chebiemit Hospital, described the new maternity wing as a game-changer. ‘Previously, we faced challenges due to inadequate facilities. This unit will significantly improve the quality of care for mothers and their newborns,’ she said.
New mother Janet Kibor, who recently gave birth at the hospital, welcomed the development. ‘I am relieved that we now have better facilities. The presence of incubators and improved delivery rooms means safer births for mothers and their babies,’ she said.