SOME public health facilities in Uasin Gishu county offering free maternity services are having challenges.
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret CEO John Kibosia yesterday said the hospital is now being over-stretched since directive by President Uhuru for free maternal health services to all mothers.
“We have an increase in the number of expectant mothers visiting our facility. In a day, approximately 40 mothers receive the free maternal services. We are unable to meet such a number in a day,” Kibosia said.
He said births have increased from 700 children to 1000 in a month. The director said the hospital is committed to implementing the President's directive but there is need for the government to hire more nurses and invest in infrastructure so as to meet the demand.
“The government needs to equip other hospitals in the county so as to ease pressure at this facility,” he said. Kibosia said plans to put up a 1,000 bed in-patient complex at the hospital are underway. The hospital currently has an 800 bed capacity.
Head of reproductive division in the Mothers and Baby Riley Center at the hospital Emily Birech said the hospital has a 112 bed capacity for mothers and babies and they are often forced to turn away some mothers due to lack of beds.
