Nyeri: The County Government of Nyeri has commenced the construction of a Level 4 health facility in Magana Ward, Tetu Sub County, aiming to enhance healthcare services for local residents. This development comes as a significant upgrade from the existing Wamagana Dispensary, which has been the primary healthcare provider in the area, with serious cases being referred to the Nyeri County Teaching and Referral Hospital.
According to Kenya News Agency, the new Level 4 facility, with a budget of Ksh 300 million, is expected to be operational by 2027. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga emphasized the necessity of investing in quality healthcare services, stating that societal development is hindered when people's health is poor. He assured that his administration would continue to allocate resources for improving critical healthcare facilities across the county to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for residents.
Governor Kahiga highlighted the importance of prioritizing health, describing it as the core around which all other life aspects revolve. He committed to ensuring the completion and operation of the hospital, marking the transformation of Wamagana Health Center from Level 3 to Level 4. The upgraded facility is expected to serve 13,000 residents and manage an annual outpatient workload of over 38,000 cases, thereby helping to decongest Nyeri County Referral Hospital and other higher-tier facilities.
The 150-bed capacity facility will offer a range of amenities and services, including a Maternal and Child Health Clinic, laboratory clinic, specialized clinics, Central Sterile Supply Department, and surgical operating theatres. Governor Kahiga reiterated that health is a constitutional right and should not be exclusive to a privileged few, emphasizing the government's responsibility to ensure infrastructure supports the health and life of its people.
Governor Kahiga described the project as a significant step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage, a priority for his government. He assured that the County Government of Nyeri would provide the necessary staff and medical supplies to ensure the hospital's optimal operation and uninterrupted service delivery, acknowledging the efforts of the Department of Health and other county departments in actualizing the project.
In his address to the County Assembly last December, Governor Kahiga underscored the need to strengthen primary healthcare to achieve UHC for all, regardless of socio-economic status. He cautioned against relying solely on rehabilitative and palliative services to reduce the disease burden in the county.
Governor Kahiga also highlighted the county's investments in specialized services, such as renal dialysis, oncology, intensive care, and diagnostic services, to provide high-level care. Notable achievements include increased outpatient attendance and a 96% viral suppression rate among HIV patients, reflecting the county's commitment to reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence.