4 minute read
Long wait finally over
President Kenyatta launched the Mwai Kibaki Hospital and said it will ease access to World-class health care for patients in the region
By Dave Opiyo
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The Mwai Kibaki Hospital was officially commissioned by President Kenyatta on August 6, 2022, ushering in a new era of access to Medicare for residents of the Mt. Kenya region and beyond.
President arrived at the Hospital, a level six Teaching and Referral facility located in Othaya Sub- County, Nyeri County, at around 4 pm.
He was welcomed by Health CS Mutahi Kagwe EGH, Kenyatta National Hospital Board Chair George Ooko, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Evanson Kamuri EBS, and a host of other leaders both from the hospital and Nyeri County.
Clad in a blue jacket, grey trousers, and matching black shoes, the President first signed the visitor’s book and planted a tree, whose scientific name is Prunus Africana, provided by Kenya Forest Services personnel.
The tree’s English name is African Cherry or Red Stinkwood, with the local name being ‘Muiri.’
It is mainly used in the region, for medicinal purposes (treating prostate cancer and other allergies) as well as firewood and conservation purposes.
He then proceeded to unveil the commemorative plaque outside the main entrance before cutting the ribbon at the entrance, signifying the launch of the facility, whose construction commenced in 2009, with the first phase of the project being completed in December 2017.
The president also launched the Ministry of Health-driven Digital Health Platform and a purified drinking water station.
President Kenyatta signs the visitors book before the launch off the Mwai Kibaki Hospital
PHOTO | JULIUS ITA
He was then taken on a guided tour of the Hospital, visiting the Critical Care Unit, the Maternity and New Born Unit, laboratories, the Renal Unit as well as the Oxygen Production Unit.
He then took photos with members of the KNH Board of Management present – Dr. Stanley Kamau EBS and Ms. Winnie Beauttah, the hospital’s Executive Management Committee as well as nurses and doctors operating from the facility.
He then addressed a huge crowd that had braved the cold weather to have a glimpse of him.
An elated President said setting up the facility was part of his grand plan to ensure ease of access to healthcare by Kenyans.
“You now don’t have to go all the way to Nairobi to get proper treatment,” said the President.
The Hospital sits on 7.9 acres of land of the 25 acres which is shared with the Othaya Level 4 Hospital.
It has a capacity of 350 beds covering maternity, pediatrics, medical & surgical wards, critical care, renal, newborn services & chemotherapy units.
President Kenyatta congratulates a new mother at Mwai Kibaki Hospital’s new born unit
PHOTO | JULIUS ITA
Specialized services offered are general surgery, orthopedic, urology, ENT, ophthalmology, gynecology, obstetrics, plastic & reconstructive surgery, dermatology, endocrinology, cardiology, and gastroenterology.
The Mwai Kibaki Hospital is projected to become a center of excellence in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) management, especially in Diabetes, Cancer, Renal and Cardiovascular diseases which bear the greatest disease burden in the region.
The facility is instrumental in supporting the management of patients and building the capacity of medical staff from the surrounding counties namely; Nyeri, Embu, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, Kirinyaga, Muranga, and Marsabit.
The Hospital is mandated to:
• Receive patients on referral from other hospitals or institutions within or outside Kenya for specialized health care;
• Provide facilities for medical education for the University of Nairobi Medical School, and research either directly or through other co-operating health institutions;
• Provide facilities for education and training in nursing and other
• Participate as a national referral hospital in national health planning.
KNH CEO Dr. Evanson Kamuri explains a point to president Kenyatta shortly after he commissioned the Oxygen production Unit at the Mwai Kibaki Hospital. Looking on is Board Chair George Ooko
PHOTO | JULIUS ITA
The Mwai Kibaki Hospital offers a wide range of specialized outpatient services which include; General medicine, general surgery, orthopedic, Urology, Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), Dental & maxillofacial, plastic & reconstructive surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Endocrinology, Oncology, and Pediatrics.
The hospital has an A&E department that is easily accessible for ambulances and walk-in patients. Emergency & general consultations are the main services offered, as well as minor & trauma surgeries and procedures.
