The New Year has begun on a bad note for patients seeking treatment at the Machakos Level Five Hospital after it emerged that the facility’s blood bank is dry.
A patient, who had been transferred from Kangundo Level 4 Hospital, was allegedly forced to seek medication at a private facility in Makueni Town, where she underwent Caesarian section after being turned away from the public facility over the lack of blood.
Medical Officer Dr. Jacks Nthanga asked patients from the county to remain calm.
Nthanga said the situation will be resolved with immediate effect.
He, however, dismissed allegations that expectant mothers were asked to leave the facility following the blood crisis.
Due to the situation, Machakos county government in partnership with the Health Ministry has launched a blood donation drive in a bid to save lives in the county.
Machakos Level 5 Hospital's Medical Superintendent Hellen Nzuki said the facility had sent experts to various blood donation centers to oversee the drive.
“We want to boost our blood bank capacity in all key health institutions to ensure timely handling of emergency cases in order to save lives," Nzuki said.
She addressed the press at the facility on Tuesday.
Machakos Level 5 Hospital serves patients from the three Ukambani counties and the rest of the nation.
The lack of blood has affected many patients who seek services from the facility.