Kisii: Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has urged the Kisii county government to provide adequate personnel, medical equipment, and additional infrastructure at Magena Dispensary in Kenyenya Sub County. Led by Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Aburi, the women parliamentarians highlighted the deplorable state of the facility, noting its understaffing, poor lighting, and lack of critical infrastructure needed to deliver health services to the residents.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Women MPs visited the facility following the tragic death of a 27-year-old woman, Phanice Ratemo, who died at the dispensary after experiencing prolonged labor pains two weeks ago. The incident, which gained widespread attention on social media, sparked public outcry, with residents criticizing the hospital's management for not addressing potential health threats to the deceased.
Kisii Woman Rep Aburi emphasized that Ratemo's death might have been preventable if the facility had the necessary medical equipment for its maternity wing. 'Our visit to this Dispensary has revealed that it lacks the basic requirements such as medicine and diagnostic tools needed to operate a health facility,' she stated.
Adding to the concerns, Kisumu County Woman Rep Ruth Odinga condemned the poor hygiene standards in the maternity ward and called for immediate improvements. She also urged security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and hold accountable any individuals found to have acted negligently. 'The case of Ratemo indicates that she was in pain for more than 24 hours, and this should have prompted the medical team to refer the patient to another hospital for necessary treatment,' Odinga noted.
The death of Ratemo should be a catalyst for health stakeholders to collaborate on reducing maternal deaths in the country, Aburi stated. Similarly, Vihiga Woman MP Dr. Beatrice Adagala urged the Ministry of Health to assess the facility and provide guidance on enhancing its infrastructure. 'We are not going to lose mothers while giving birth at this health facility. Let the government renovate and equip it with the required medical equipment,' said Dr. Adagala.