Residents of Kirinyaga have urged the governor to fast-track the construction of the proposed KMTC ahead of the opening of the Level 5 hospital in Kerugoya.
According to residents, the new hospital will require more trained personnel in various sections.
The referral hospital which is due for opening upon completion of piped oxygen gas supply equipment has a state-of-the-art theatre, 342-bed capacity, HDU, ICU, renal unit facilities and a mother and children ward.
They also said having a KMTC in Kirinyaga will be an opportunity for the residents to train their children and get employment while giving back to the immediate community.
The county has upgraded Kimbimbi and Kianyaga hospitals from Level 3 to Level 4 and currently overseeing the completion and equipping of 19 dispensaries.
Peter Kiilu, a resident said they acknowledge the governor’s effort in constructing a modern hospital and want her to hire doctors and ensure the availability of medicines.
“We want the governor to build the medical school and the students will be assisting the doctors while learning. She can build it anywhere in Kirinyaga,” Kiilu said.
Polyne Waruguru, a businesswoman, said there is no need to import medics from other counties when Kirinyaga has an ambitious proposal to build a training school.
She added that the shortage of health officers will be solved if the medical college is built.
“Building a KMTC within the county will bring an end to the shortage of doctors. We are relying on the students from other counties coming for training yet we were told a medical school will be constructed. Our governor should now follow up and implement it,” Waruguru said.
Philip Maithia, another resident, said the new Level 5 hospital is big enough and will cater to students’ practicals.
He said the resources being used to send students to study outside Kirinyaga can be spent within.
“We thank Governor Anne Waiguru for upgrading the hospital and we ask her to build the KMTC because there is enough space here,” Maithia said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
