Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii is rolling out a maternal and child healthcare plan for mothers and newborns.
Bii’s administration has also completed revamping the West Maternity hospital in Eldoret town. The facility has been renamed Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital-Eldoret.
It will be the focal point in driving maternal healthcare plan.
Health executive Abraham Serem said the facility has 70 beds, complete with modern equipment and adequate staff.
The hospital will provide a wide range of specialised services for antenatal and postnatal care, X-ray and theatre services. It also has a diagnostics laboratory, outpatient unit and newborn unit.
“The hospital will help revolutionise maternal and child healthcare in the county and we have put in place all the requirements to fully operationalise it after the official launch to be done soon,” he said.
Residents approved the renaming the hospital in honour of the First Lady, who has been keen to ensure mothers and newborns access the necessary care across the country.
“As a county, we are proud of her and appreciate her work. We also have a mandate to ensure quality healthcare for residents of Uasin Gishu and that is why we are rolling out such initiatives that will benefit residents,” Governor Bii said.
He said healthcare is a key pillar in his development plan and he also fully supports plans by President William Ruto to implement the universal health coverage.
Serem said maternal and child health is a critical aspect of healthcare that requires specialised attention, expertise and resources.
“By providing a comprehensive range of services under one roof, Mama Rachel Ruto Maternity Hospital-Eldoret is ensuring that mothers and their newborns receive the best possible care in a timely and efficient manner," the CEC said.
Governor Bii has assured residents that maternity services at all other county hospitals would be upgraded.
Chief officers Joyce Sang (clinical services) and Paul Wangwe (promotive and preventive health) said the facility was poised to make a significant impact on maternal and child health in the region.
“We will ensure the highest standards of care at this hospital, which is set to become a cornerstone of healthcare delivery in the county,” Sang said.
