Burnt Forest Sub County Hospital has successfully conducted its first total knee arthroplasty under the new Social Health Insurance (SHA) initiative.
This milestone operation, performed at the Uasin Gishu County-run hospital symbolizes a significant step towards improved surgical care for residents.
The complex three-hour surgery was masterfully executed by a dedicated team led by orthopaedic and trauma surgeon Dr Langat Ptallah.
It’s a procedure that also saw the integral contributions of skilled nurses Amon Bite, Ann Karanja, Chirchir, and the anaesthesia team led by Allan.
Speaking during a wellness checkup on the client, Clinical Services Chief Officer Dr Joyce Sang expressed his satisfaction with the procedure, noting that the patient is now in recovery and responding well.
“This successful operation underscores Governor Dr Jonathan Bii’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for the community,” Dr Sang stated.
What are the benefits of SHA?
Highlighting the importance of timely procurement of surgical implants that made this achievement possible, Dr Sang encouraged residents with knee and bone problems to enrol in the SHA program, emphasizing that it would cover all expenses related to arthroplasty, a procedure often deemed prohibitively expensive.
“The success of this operation is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together. We want to ensure that our community benefits from affordable healthcare,” the Chief Officer remarked.
“The patient benefited from free medical services provided by SHA, with a staggering Ksh 325,000 claimed from the surgical procedure, showcasing the financial relief provided by the initiative,” she added.
The CO further noted that the operation stands as a beacon of hope for members of the public suffering from knee problems therefore encouraging them to seek necessary treatment without the burden of exorbitant costs.
She called on members of the public to register with the Social Health Authority so as to enable them to access medical services.
The patient, Eusila Kemboi, a resident of Chemina in Kesses Sub County, was grateful for the assistance she got for the knee problem which has been pestering her for a long time.
She also commended the county for installing theatre services at Burnt Forest Sub County Hospital.
Caroline Chemoiywo, the facility in charge, said: “We are happy as a facility to conduct this first procedure.”
“Apart from this, we have also done the total heap replacement,” she added.
Thank you all and may God bless you abunduntly for the successful work you did. I pray that mom will be well now. We wish her quick recovery. Thank you to all the able team of specialist who did this successful procedure.