Kirinyaga County assures patients of uninterrupted dialysis sessions during NESP transition

The County Government of Kirinyaga has assured residents that dialysis services at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital will continue without interruption.

 The facility is  transitioning from the Managed Equipment Service (MES) Programme to the new National Equipment Service Programme (NESP).

The County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation George Karoki in a statement on Monday said the transition is part of a wider effort to modernise and expand healthcare infrastructure under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

Under the MES programme, Kerugoya previously received eight dialysis machines, which served patients for over seven years but have now become obsolete.

 In response, the county government has signed an Intergovernmental Participatory Agreement with the national government, which will see 10 new dialysis machines delivered this week.

“This transition is not only a replacement but also a significant expansion of dialysis capacity that will greatly enhance access to specialized healthcare for our residents,” Karoki stated.

In the meantime, the county has arranged for all patients requiring dialysis to be referred to other facilities.

Karoki noted that treatment costs are fully covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring that no patient is left out or forced to pay out-of-pocket expenses.

“Patients have been seamlessly referred to other facilities, with treatment costs fully covered under SHA. This ensures that no patient is forced to bear the cost during this transition period,” Karoki said.

In addition to the dialysis upgrade, Kerugoya hospital has already received a CT scan, mammogram machine, ultrasound, and digital X-ray machines under the NESP programme.

Plans are also underway to equip Sagana, Kimbimbi, and Kianyaga subcounty hospitals to further devolve renal services and reduce the burden on the main referral facility.

Karoki emphasised the county's commitment to providing high-quality and affordable healthcare.

“We remain committed to strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and delivering on the promise of a healthier Kirinyaga.”

The announcement comes amid growing concern among patients in the county who have experienced delays due to broken dialysis machines.

The new equipment is expected to ease the pressure and restore consistent treatment services at the facility.