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KNH NEWSLINE ED 10 2022
Special Edition
The KNH launch of firsts
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President Kenyatta inaugurates 3 key health facilities built and equipped at a cost of Sh1 billion at KNH
The KNH launch of firsts
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Mrs. Zarina Merali unveil the Zarina Naushad Merali Daycare Centre plaque during the launch of the Centre.
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA
By Verah Mugambi
Kenyatta National Hospital has yet again added three (3) key health facilities; Zarina Merali Daycare Centre, the Centre for Kidney Diseases and Organ Transplantation and the Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Laboratory (HLA Lab). His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the projects on Wednesday May 11, 2022 in an event filled with pomp and color at the Hospital. There had been anxious anticipation of His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit.
As one walked towards the Administration parking lot area where the presidential event was to be held, palpable excitement and anxiety could easily be felt as the preparation for the launch of the various projects was ongoing. One could feel the vibrance and glamour in the atmosphere.
Those in attendance included Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Kenyatta National Hospital Board Chair Mr. George Ooko, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Evanson Kamuri, and Board Members amongst others.
President Kenyatta arrived at Kenyatta National Hospital around 1.30 pm. He signed the visitor’s book and toured the KNH Zarina Merali Daycare Centre where he cut a ribbon and unveiled a plaque to launch the Centre.
The Zarina Merali construction project was funded jointly by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the Zarina Merali Foundation for a total of 204 million shillings. His Excellency President Kenyatta was then taken on a guided tour of the Centre and was very impressed by the state-of-the-art equipment.
The President congratulated Mrs. Zarina and the entire Sameer Group for the effort to improve health care services to Kenyans. He expressed his delight in the work put in by KNH staff to provide world-class health care services. The Zarina Merali Daycare Centre will facilitate outpatient or same-day surgeries for patients. The Centre has four (4) theatres, an endoscopy unit, an electrophysiology room, and associated support facilities.
After launching the Daycare, the President headed to a second launch which was the kidney diseases & Organ Transplantation centre. He walked through the corridors chatting with the management while enjoying the therapeutic artwork displayed on the walls along the walkway.
The Centre for Kidney Disease and Organ Transplant is a specialized facility for kidney and liver transplants and the management of complicated kidney diseases.
At the Kidney Disease & Organ Transplantation Centre, the President walked around the theatres and conversed with the Renal patients giving them hope that all will be well. He later launched the facility and headed to the Administration Block parking lot where he and a few guests gave their speeches to KNH staff and members of the fourth estate who were patiently waiting.
During the launch, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe thanked the Merali family for their generosity and urged other Kenyans who can help to do so and make the Universal Health Coverage agenda for all achievable.
He also commended the President for his support of the Health Care sector. “Kenyatta National Hospital is not how it used to be. It has improved a lot; the facilities, the workers and everything at the hospital is just state-of-the-art. I want to appreciate the healthcare workers for supporting the vision and mission for Universal Health Coverage”, he added.
President Kenyatta commended KNH for the work they do during his speech. “it’s not only a question of our equipment but the capability and capacity of our healthcare workers. Hongera!”, the President exclaimed with a fulfilled heart.
“I was happy to hear that the number of walk-in patients has reduced due to the introduction of Satellite Nairobi Metropolitan Services hospitals within the region,” concluded the President.
H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta greets a patient at Renal Unit ward
PHOTO | COURTESY
H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta on his way to launch the Kidney Diseases and Organ Transplantation Centre accompanied by CS Health Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, KNH Board Chair - Mr. George Ooko and KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri , EBS
PHOTO | COURTESY
