The Kisii County Government has embarked on a major infrastructure upgrade to transform health services at the Gucha Sub County Hospital.
Speaking during an inspection tour of development projects in Ogembo Town, Governor James Ongwae said the hospital was being expanded in order to decongest the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Installation of modern equipment including digital x-rays, a dental x-ray machine (Orthopantomogram), ultrasound, mammography machine, image intensifier and an autoclave machine is underway.
Two theatres at the facility are being renovated and fitted with new operating beds, lights and surgical instruments. The hospital will also start offering kidney dialysis following the establishment of a renal unit with five machines.
“Working with the National Government through the Managed Equipment Services, we have embarked on a major infrastructure upgrade for the Gucha hospital which will be the second largest after KTRH. This hospital will help decongest the Kisii hospital and work to improve healthcare service provision for our people,” said Ongwae.
Ongwae who was flanked by his Deputy Joash Maangi and County Commissioner Chege Mwangi said his administration was alive to the intermittent power supply at the hospital saying KShs.2.9million had been paid to Kenya Power for the installation of a three phase power supply of 610V rating.
CEC’s Moiro Omari (Water), Marcella Otuke (Culture) and Moses Onderi (Urban Development) and; Chief Officers Patrick Lumumba (Administration) and Alice Abuki (health) were present.
He also announced plans to construct a mortuary renovate the kitchen and the laundry as well as improve drug supply for the hospital to ensure smooth service delivery.
“We have reached an agreement with the National Government representatives on the ground to have Ogembo Police Station relocated to allow for expansion of the hospital,” said Ongwae.
The County Commissioner Mr Mwangi concurred with Governor Ongwae saying health services were critical for the socio-economic development of any society hence the decision to relocate the police station.
“This police station was established 20 years ago. Over time, the population has grown and the demand for services increases. We have discussed and agreed that the police station be accommodated at the Ogembo Bus Park,” said Mwangi.
The multimillion Ogembo Bus Park built by the defunct Local Government but it has been lying idle after the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) raised concerns over the safety of the adjacent River Gucha.
Earlier, the Governor toured Mosora Water Project where he assured locals that the County will install water points to avail the commodity at proximate distances. He asked the community to avoid disrupting supply to Ogembo Town.
Later, the Governor chaired a leaders meeting at the Gucha Sub County Offices where he assured residents that he was committed to addressing their development concerns.
He also toured the Ogembo Community Library, commissioned the Boochi-Tendere Ward office before visiting the hospital where he addressed staff and challenged them to offer services with professionalism and commitment.
