KENYA – Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, a leading medical facility in Nairobi, has unveiled its upgraded facilities including a new blood transfusion center, renal unit, ICU, and playground.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Nakhumicha S. Wafula, presided over the event and emphasized the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Embrace Equity,” highlighting the hospital’s commitment to providing equitable access to healthcare for all.

The eastern side of Nairobi stands to benefit from safe and reliable blood transfusions due to the collaboration between the Nairobi City County Government and the Kenya Tissue and Transplant Authority in upgrading the blood collection centre to a full satellite.

The addition of the renal unit at the hospital is also a significant achievement in providing dialysis services to a population of four million Kenyans suffering from chronic kidney disease.

The CS noted that the renal unit is also a significant addition to the hospital’s facilities. Chronic kidney disease affects four million Kenyans, with only 10% having access to dialysis services.

“The establishment of this unit will ease the burden and waiting period at the National Referral Hospital – KNH,” she said.

Furthermore, the critical care unit will address the shortage of ICU beds and ventilators in public and private hospitals in Kenya.

The initial capacity launched is a 4-bed fully equipped ICU which is to be extended to 28-bed capacity and the facility will now be able to serve the populated Embakasi Central Constituency as well as the neighboring sub-counties, hence easing the burden of KNH.

The playground will also serve as a recreational area for children to improve their psychological well-being, particularly for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, TB, and kidney diseases.

“The launch of the upgraded Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital facilities is a significant milestone in efforts to improve healthcare and the quality of life for all citizens. The hospital’s dedication to providing equitable access to healthcare for women and all Kenyans is commendable and aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme,” the CS added.

This partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Nairobi City County Government has led to the provision of modern equipment and facilities at the hospital as well as improved access to healthcare.

“I am proud to launch the first ever ICU in a Nairobi County hospital, it was a shame that Nairobi didn’t have an ICU but that’s why I am the Governor because I said it must work,” stated Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

He said the plan is to have ICU/HDU facilities in all counties level five hospitals, so as to cater for patients referred from surrounding lower-level facilities.

He added that the second ICU/HDU facility will be launched at Mbagathi hospital, followed by Pumwani maternity hospital and also Mutuini- which is set to be renamed after First Lady Mama Racheal Ruto.

Mutuini Hospital to be renamed after First Lady Mama Racheal Ruto

Governor Sakaja announced that Mutuini Hospital situated in Dagoretti South Sub-County will be renamed after First Lady Racheal Ruto.

Governor Sakaja said his administration will give the Mutuini facility a facelift before the renaming.

This will also include renovating other medical facilities within the county, with the Governor noting that some of the facilities built under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) had not been equipped.

“We will be bringing a motion Mutuini hospital to rename it to Mama Rachel Ruto Hospital Mutuini,” Governor Sakaja said.

If the motion is tabled before the County Assembly and sails through, Mama Rachel Ruto will join her predecessors, who have health facilities named after them.

The immediate former First Lady has a facility named after her: The Margaret Kenyatta Children Hospital in Mathare-Korogocho slum.

There is also Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, a level-5 hospital located in Embakasi.

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