The County Government of Uasin Gishu has strengthened its drive to improve healthcare delivery following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Governor Dr Jonathan Bii Chelilim, Moi University and AMPATH, alongside the official launch of the Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Programme.
The Governor also commissioned three critical facilities at Huruma Sub-County Hospital; a new drug store, postnatal ward and radiology unit in a move expected to enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality, timely and comprehensive healthcare services closer to residents.
The milestones underscore the County Government’s continued investment in health infrastructure, technology, strategic partnerships and primary healthcare, in line with the Governor’s Nguzo Kumi development blueprint, which places health among the key pillars of the administration.
Speaking during the official launch of the POCUS Programme at Huruma Sub-County Hospital, Governor Bii said strengthening access to healthcare must be matched with the capacity to diagnose conditions early and make timely clinical decisions.
“Access to care must go hand in hand with the capacity to diagnose and respond effectively. This is where innovation and appropriate technology become critical to the next phase of our healthcare journey,” said Governor Bii.
What is Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Programme?
He said the POCUS programme will equip trained frontline healthcare workers with portable ultrasound technology, enabling them to conduct timely assessments and make informed clinical decisions closer to patients.
The technology is expected to particularly strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare, allowing trained healthcare workers to assess pregnancies, identify potential complications early and make timely decisions on management or referral.
Beyond maternal health, POCUS will support the assessment of patients with heart and lung conditions, strengthening early detection and helping healthcare workers determine the appropriate level of care.
Governor Bii said the programme complements the County’s broader commitment to maternal and newborn health through the Ending Women and Neonatal Emergencies (EWENE) initiative, which seeks to achieve zero preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
New services boost Huruma Hospital capacity
At Huruma Sub-County Hospital, Governor Bii officially commissioned a new drug store, expected to strengthen the facility’s capacity to safely store, manage and distribute essential medicines and medical supplies, postnatal ward, which will provide an improved environment for mothers and newborns requiring care and monitoring after delivery, while strengthening post-delivery support and counselling.
The newly launched radiology unit will expand access to diagnostic imaging services, enabling patients to undergo essential investigations closer to home and reducing the need for referrals to facilities outside the area.
Together, the three facilities are expected to complement existing services at Huruma Sub-County Hospital, improve patient experience and strengthen the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive care under one roof.
Speaking during the event, Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea said the investments reaffirm the County Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare as one of the key pillars of Governor Bii’s Nguzo Kumi blueprint.
He said the County would continue investing in health facilities, supporting healthcare workers and creating an enabling environment for residents to access quality services within their communities.
Moi University, AMPATH-Uasin Gishu County partnership
The Deputy Governor commended Moi University and AMPATH for partnering with the County Government, noting that collaboration between government, academia and health partners was critical to advancing innovation and improving health outcomes.
“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when public leadership, academic expertise and innovation come together to address the needs of our people,” he said.
Health Services County Executive Janet Kurgat said the launch of the POCUS programme marked an important step in harnessing appropriate technology to strengthen early diagnosis and clinical decision-making at the primary healthcare level.
She noted that continued investment in infrastructure, technology, training and partnerships would be critical in ensuring that healthcare services remain accessible, responsive and patient-centred.
The signing of the MoU, launch of the POCUS programme and commissioning of the drug store, postnatal ward and radiology unit at Huruma Sub-County Hospital mark a significant step in Uasin Gishu’s efforts to modernise healthcare delivery and bring quality, timely and comprehensive services closer to the people.
Present were Chief Officer Clinical Services Ambrose Tarus,Moi University Deputy vice Chancellor for Academics Prof. Khaemba Ongeti,Ampath Uzima Chief of Party Prof Sylvester Kimaiyo among others.
