VIHIGA COUNTY SET TO BUILD NEW Sh30M MATERNITY THEATRE IN KENYA

Vihiga county government in collaboration with the World Bank will build an Sh30 million maternity theatre at Hamisi sub-county Hospital. The commission for the construction of the new theatre was done by Vihiga county Governor Wilber Ottichilo.

According to Ottichilo, “We have commissioned this theatre that we hope will go a long way in saving the lives of our women in this region. My administration has been committed to addressing cases of maternal and child mortality”

“Patients will be able to access quality services at affordable cost and closer home”

He also noted that it was challenging to move patients who require specialized treatment from Hamisi to the county referral facility.

“We know Hamisi has been neglected for years and we shall fast-track development to ensure that the area has the required social amenities and infrastructural development like other sub-counties,” said Dr. Ottichilo.

According to the governor, the new theatre will be complete in three months.

“This will be the largest theatre in the county. It will complement the one at the referral hospital in Mbale,” he said.

Ms. Susan Khavai, a resident, said the facility will reduce maternal and newborn deaths. It will also reduce the cost of transport to the hospital

“We have lived in despair for many years. I delivered my children at Mbale Hospital but we are hopeful that in the future most cases that surgery will be done closer home after the construction of a modern theatre,” said Ms. Khavai.

The Sh30 million project is a collaborative venture between the County Government of Vihiga and the World Bank. The facility will be equipped with machines for diagnosis, surgery, and specialized treatment.

SOURCE: The Standard