The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet has commissioned a multi- million medical equipment at the Iten County Referral hospital (ICRH).
Commissioned items included an oxygen plant whose establishment will address oxygen challenges in attending to patients with respiratory complications and general emergencies at the facility.
Further, the infrastructure comprise a 3,000 litres Bulk Liquid Oxygen Tank and other essential accessories.
Governor Wesley Rotich graced the event that was also attended by representative officials from the Council of Governors (COG), AMREF, Ministry of Health and Global Fund among other partners.
The governor who received asset transfer for the equipment from AMREF said the undertaking marked a significant milestone in delivery of healthcare services across the County.
“We now have our own oxygen generation plant right here in ICRH. Every health centre will have two oxygen cylinders and from today , all our facilities will be equipped with oxygen,” said Rotich.
Beside the health facilities having oxygen cylinders, all the ambulances will also be equipped with the same, said the governor.
While appreciating the input of the partners, Rotich said his administration is in the process of establishing an Amenity wing at ICRH.
In addition, it has also established a eye- clinic that is already operational.
“We shall push to have our referral Hospital elevated to level 5,” said the governor while commending health workers at the facility for exemplary service.
Staff capacity building
Rose Gitau, a bio-medical Engineer who represented Ministry of Health pointed out the need for capacity building of the staff charged with manning the oxygen plant together with those stationed at the primary healthcare facilities.
“We had an ambulance bursting into flames recently in somewhere as a result of improper handling of oxygen cylinders and we don’t want to witness it anywhere again,” said Gitau.
