- The islands include where the hospital is situated Mfangano, Remba, Takawiri and Ringiti.
- Residents described the start of operations at the hospital as a break-through not only in health service provision, but also in development.
Image: ROBERT OMOLLO
Homa Bay residents living in the four islands in Lake Victoria are relieved after the county opened an upgraded Sena hospital.
Governor Gladys Wanga opened the doors of the hospital to begin providing medical services to the people living in islands in Suba North constituency.
The islands include where the hospital is situated Mfangano, Remba, Takawiri and Ringiti.
Residents described the start of operations at the hospital as a break-through not only in health service provision, but also in development.
Under the umbrella of Mfangano Development Forum, the residents Daniel Rakoro and Mark Matunga said they have been facing a lot of difficulties in getting health services in Mbita town.
“Many people in these islands have been feeling sidelined because they have not been getting health services as compared to colleagues in the mainland,” Rakaro said.
Matunga asked the county government to improve road network to enhance accessibility of the hospital.
Sena Level 4 Hospital is a relief to patients who had to travel to Mbita town for medical procedures like surgeries and blood transfusion.
“The opening of this hospital is the beginning of bringing services closer to the people,” he said.
Speaking after opening the hospital, Wanga said additional doctors would be placed at the facility to provide services to the people.
She said the facility would solve all health challenges that have been experienced by the people in Mfangano and neighbouring islands.
Present were Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, MP Millie Odhiambo, Senator Moses Kajwang and acting health chief officer Kevin Osuri.
“I found health in a deplorable state when I was elected governor. We expect to transform the health sector and improved lives of our people,” Wanga said.
All complicated medical cases from health facilities on the island were previously referred to health centres in the mainland in Mbita town.
For patients in the islands, the journey on water was cumbersome and increased pain. Among the worst affected were expectant mothers.
Sena hospital will also be offering blood transfusion services to women in labour.
Plans are underway for the hospital to start performing cesarean delivery to further reduce infant and maternal mortality.
“As a woman, I understand the challenges women undergo if they can’t access health services with ease. My government is committed to ensuring residents get better services,” she said.
The opening of the hospital will reduce time and resources for people seeking medical attention.
Wanga said they would also supply enough drugs to the hospital.
(edited by Amol Awuor)