Kiambu governor William Kabogo has promised affordable and quality healthcare to Kiambu residents.
Speaking in Thika Town today during the commissioning of a Sh700 million, 275-bed maternity wing at Thika Level 5 Hospital, Kabogo said that his government is committed to ensuring Kiambu residents realise their health objectives.
“The Kiambu government has a role to see its resident’s access affordable health care. This will be provided at Thika Level 5 Hospital and other health facilities spread all over Kiambu County,” said Kabogo.
He said that the maternity wing would be instrumental in helping expectant mothers receive better services. Kabogo expressed optimism that the new healthy facility would attract more mothers to deliver in hospitals.
Kiambu Health CeC Jonah Mwangi said that the reproductive health centre is fully funded and equipped by the county government. He added that the centre would serve other counties including Kitui, Murang'a and Nairobi.
“The construction of the centre is in line with county's strategic plan and County Act 2014 on provision of affordable and quality health care. The reproductive health centre is well positioned to service neighbouring counties as well,” he said.
The wing is expected to cost the taxpayer Sh700 million. The upgrade is meant to address the current bed shortage where four mothers and their babies have to share a bed.
Current occupancy stands at 300 percent as the facility is meant to cater for 40 mothers only.
The hospital began as a cottage hospital in 1941 to cater for the needs of Africans and Asians through the ordinance Native Act. It was gazetted as a Level 5 hospital on November 30, 2007.