The new dispensary at Mukuyu market in the outskirts of Murang’a town is expected to decongest the county Level 5 hospital and provide health services closer to thousands of residents.
The county government converted the existing social hall to host the dispensary with the aim of bringing services closer to people and ensuring the Murang’a county Level 5 hospital only handles referral cases.
Traders and the business community of Mukuyu market as well as residents who reside at the outskirts of Murang’a town have been requesting for a health centre to handle outpatient services, while decrying congestion at the county Level 5 facility, which handles hundreds of patients on a daily basis.
Speaking during launching of the renovated market social hall and Mukuyu ECDE centre, Governor Irungu Kang’ata said that the dispensary will serve residents at the Mukuyu market, Kongoni, Maragi, Mjini among other areas, which hosts close to 15,000 residents.
Kang’ata said previously when residents fell sick, they used to flock Murang’a Level Five Hospital, thus congesting the referral facility.
“Lack of a health centre at the outskirts of the town has been a major challenge in Murang’a town. Residents have been flocking the level 5 facility, even for outpatient services, which can be handled at a dispensary,” stated the governor who was accompanied by Murang’a Town MCA Charles Machigo.
Kang’ata added that his administration was working round the clock to fulfill the campaign pledge made to the electorate in health, agriculture, water among other sectors.
He noted his government is committed to enhancing healthcare delivery, adding that the county has successfully opened and operationalized a total of 30 new dispensaries, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges.
“The county administration has also built and renovated hundreds of ECDE centres across the sub counties, and constructed health centres with maternity wards to ease congestion from local Level 4 and 5 facilities,” he added.
In addition, Kang’ata highlighted the Murang’a youth empowerment programme, launched a year ago, which is designed to support the young people in self-employment and innovation.
“The county government has also established a health programme dubbed Kang’ata Care, which is a game charger that has enlisted the elderly and destitute persons who receive medical care for free,” said the governor.
On his part, Machigo said the ECDE centre was dilapidated and required a facelift to ensure the youngsters enjoy their learning in a conducive environment.
“The local community is pleased with the renovation of the local ECDE centre, which has remained dilapidated for many years,” stated the Township MCA.
By Bernard Munyao