Nduru Level 4 Hospital reopens with heightened security

Nduru Level 4 Hospital in Nyamarambe, Kisii, which was closed a month ago after healthcare workers were attacked by a mob, has been reopened.

The facility was closed on April 12 after some workers were attacked while moving unused medical equipment to other facilities facing shortages.

Nurses and clinical officers resumed duty on Monday, while doctors returned to work last week on Tuesday.

The reopening was agreed upon after a consultative meeting involving officials from the national and the county governments, healthcare workers' union representatives and security agencies.

Speaking to the press in Kisii town, county commissioner Tom Anjere lauded healthcare workers for agreeing to resume duty.  

Anjere said they had put in place adequate arrangements to provide the facility with 24-hour security and deploy additional security personnel in all level 4 hospitals in the county so staff can operate uninterrupted.

“We have instructed the subcounty security teams to hold regular meetings with medics’ unions and hospital administrations in their respective subcounties with a view to ensuring there are no gaps as far as security matters are concerned,” he said.

The county commissioner warned politicians against involving themselves in activities that are likely to cause disharmony, saying those found culpable will be sanctioned.

Kisii Deputy Governor Robert Monda said residents have been greatly affected by the facility's closure and urged them to avoid disrupting services.

“With the assurance from the county commissioner, security is guaranteed and deployment of security personnel at Nduru Level 4 Hospital and other level 4 and 5 hospitals will be 24 hours,” Monda said

He cautioned politicians against taking matters into their own hands, saying they should use the proper channels to air their grievances.

The healthcare workers union representatives, said if the lives of their staff are threatened, then they will not hesitate to withdraw their services or choose to be deployed to other areas where safety is guaranteed.

The unions also urged youth to avoid being used by politicians to cause chaos.