It is a boost to Nakuru County in the reduction of maternal mortality after a Sh450 million maternity wing was opened by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta on Wednesday.
The Margaret Kenyatta Mother Baby wing located at the Nakuru Level Five hospital has a bed capacity of 257 and is expected to serve patients from eight other counties bordering Nakuru County.
The First Lady said that she will endeavor to ensure safer delivery for mothers given the high priority in the county.
“I will endeavor to ensure that safer delivery for mothers is given the high priority in the country,”she said.
She said that existence of a Kangaroo baby unit within the facility will ensure that mothers provide warmth to new born babies.
She noted that the beyond zero campaign has contributed a lot to the reduction of maternal deaths across the country.
“I must appreciate the fact that most county governments are determined to improve infrastructure in the various health facilities in the country,” she said.
Governor Lee Kinyanjui while pledging more support for the health sector in the county said that eight more ambulances will be purchased to be deployed across the county.
The county budget that currently accounts for 36% of the total county budget will also be enhanced in order to improve health services.
Three more health centers will also be upgraded to sub-county hospitals in order to meet growing demand.
The Margaret Kenyatta Mother Baby Wing has four operational theaters and also an antenatal and prenatal clinic.